CompletedNot Applicable

High Versus Low Level of Lumbar Traction in Acute Lumbar Sciatica Due to Disc Herniation

France17 participantsStarted 2002-08

Plain-language summary

The aim of this study is to compare two levels (high and low forces) of short term lumbar traction on pain and functional tests of the lower limbs in a specific population of patients presenting with acute lumbar sciatica secondary to disc herniation. The investigators hypothesize that, in this particular medical condition, high level of lumbar traction might be more effective than low level lumbar traction in decreasing the pain associated with acute sciatica.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 99 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: * less than 6-week lumbar sciatica secondary to disc herniation, confirmed by pain radiating down the leg along the distribution of the sciatic nerve together with positive straight leg raising test (SLRT) Exclusion Criteria: * symptoms persisting for more than 6 weeks * signs of clinical neurological deficit * lumbar sciatica not caused by disc herniation * presence of lumbar tomodensitometry abnormalities * Subjects younger than 18 * pregnant women * patients on medical leave for more than 3 weeks at inclusion * patients with history of lumbar surgery * patients who already had lumbar traction therapy

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

Change in radicular pain graduated from 0 to 100 mm

Timeframe: Measurement of radicular pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS) At baseline (day 0 - D0) as well as at day 14 (D14) (end of treatment) and day 28 (D28) (after 2 weeks follow-up).

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02091791

SponsorUniversity Hospital, Strasbourg, France

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2006-09

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Acute Lumbar Sciatica Secondary to Disc Herniation trials