CompletedPhase 2

Does Acupuncture Activate Endogenous Pain Inhibition in Chronic Whiplash?

Belgium39 participantsStarted 2011-01

Plain-language summary

This physiological study examines whether acupuncture exerts short-term effects of analgesic mechanisms in patients with chronic whiplash pain. More specifically, it is examined whether acupuncture activates brain-orchestrated pain inhibitory action.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * a diagnosis of chronic WAD grade 1 to 3 according to the criteria as defined by the Quebec Task Force classification * chronic neck pain and WAD persisting for at least 3 months * age between 18 and 65 years Exclusion Criteria: * classified as WAD grade 4 (neck complaints including fracture or dislocation, or injury to the spinal cord) * pregnant * initiated a new conventional therapy during the study period * taking analgesic drugs 48 hours before testing and/or nicotine, alcohol and caffeine 24 hours before testing

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

the change in Conditioned pain modulation

Timeframe: measured prior to (week 1 and week 2) and immediately following (week1 and week 2) each treatment session

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01512576

SponsorVrije Universiteit Brussel

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2011-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Whiplash trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.