Ear nerve stimulation for chronic whiplash neck pain

Plain-English translation of NCT07055373 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated May 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a non-invasive treatment called transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), which delivers gentle electrical pulses through a device placed on the outer ear. The treatment aims to help people with long-lasting whiplash-related neck pain by improving how their nervous system regulates pain. Researchers believe this approach may help restore balance to the body's stress-response system, which often becomes imbalanced after a whiplash injury.

About half of people with chronic whiplash continue to suffer from pain and disability long after their injury. Research shows that whiplash disrupts the nervous system's ability to manage pain effectively, and current treatments don't work well for everyone. This trial explores whether stimulating the vagus nerve—a key pathway for pain control—might offer relief.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have had neck pain from a whiplash injury for at least 3 months but fewer than 10 years
your whiplash injury is classified as grade I, II, or III (ranging from neck pain alone to neck pain with physical or nerve-related symptoms)
your average pain level over the past week is at least 4 out of 10
your neck pain and disability significantly affect your daily activities (scoring above 28% on a standard disability measure)

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had previous surgery on the vagus nerve in your neck
you have a serious heart rhythm problem (severe bradycardia)
you have any permanent metallic or electronic implants or devices near your ear, including cochlear implants or other nerve stimulators
you are currently taking medications that affect your nervous system's stress response, such as beta-blockers
you have a history of serious mental health conditions before your whiplash injury, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or severe depression

What participation looks like

If you are selected, you will first complete questionnaires and physical assessments to measure your pain, nerve function, and quality of life. You will then use a small ear-based device twice daily (morning and evening) for 45-minute sessions over 4 weeks at home. You will return for follow-up visits immediately after treatment ends, and again at 4–6 weeks and 12 weeks later so researchers can track whether your pain and function improve.

Ear nerve stimulation for chronic whiplash neck pain

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)