Recruiting

Testing electrical nerve stimulation for long-lasting leg pain from the lower back

Plain-English translation of NCT07377357 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 study is testing a treatment called Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) for people with long-term leg pain related to sciatica. PENS uses very thin needles guided by ultrasound to deliver gentle electrical stimulation to the sciatic nerve for about 30 minutes, with the goal of calming nerve sensitivity and reducing pain. Researchers will compare this treatment to three other options—standard electrical patches on the skin, needles without electrical current, and a placebo (sham) treatment—to see which works best.

Many people suffer from sciatica for months or years, and common treatments like pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, or surgery don't always provide lasting relief. This trial exists to test a safe, non-drug, non-surgical option that might help more patients find relief from this stubborn pain.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been experiencing leg pain related to lower back problems (sciatica) for more than 6 months
your pain has been severe enough in the past 4 weeks to limit your normal activities or change your daily routine for at least one day
your current pain intensity is at least 3 out of 10 on a pain scale
you are between 18 and 70 years old
you are able to communicate in Spanish and understand the study instructions

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had recent spine, pelvis, or hip surgery
you have had nerve-blocking injections or radiofrequency treatments in the past two years
you have symptoms suggesting cauda equina syndrome, such as loss of bladder or bowel control, sexual dysfunction, or paralysis in your lower limbs
you have other significant hip, pelvis, or sacroiliac joint pain that could interfere with the study
you have a neurological or systemic disease that would prevent you from safely participating

What participation looks like

You will visit the study site once and be randomly assigned to one of four groups by chance. Depending on your group, you will receive either real electrical stimulation through needles guided by ultrasound, electrical stimulation through adhesive patches on your skin, needles without electrical current, or a placebo treatment. The active treatment lasts about 30 minutes. Researchers will then measure your pain levels immediately after the treatment and again at one week, using pain scales and questionnaires, to see if the treatment helped.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 7, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Spain

Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Madrid

View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov