Ongoing Clinical Trials for Sciatica
There is currently 1 ongoing clinical trial investigating new treatment options for sciatica, also known as lumbosacral radiculopathy. This trial is evaluating the use of Gabapentin for short-term pain relief in patients with acute nerve pain caused by a herniated disc in the lower back. The trial is being conducted in France and aims to determine whether Gabapentin is more effective than placebo in reducing pain intensity over a short treatment period.
Clinical trial locations
Study on Gabapentin and Placebo for Short-Term Relief of Acute Lower Back Pain from Herniated Disc in Adults
This clinical trial is investigating whether Gabapentin can provide effective short-term pain relief for people experiencing acute nerve pain in the lower back and legs caused by a herniated disc. The study compares Gabapentin with a placebo to determine if the medication offers meaningful benefits in managing this type of pain.
Main inclusion criteria:
- Adults aged 18 years or older
- Experiencing pain radiating from the lower back down the leg for less than 3 months
- Pain level of at least 4 out of 10 on the Visual Analogue Scale, indicating moderate to severe pain
- Confirmed herniated disc on CT or MRI scan performed within the last 3 months that matches the symptoms
- Able to stay in hospital for at least 72 hours after joining the study
- Written consent to participate
- Women of childbearing age must use effective contraception
Main exclusion criteria:
- Other significant medical conditions that could interfere with the study
- Currently taking medications that might affect study results
- Spine surgery within the past 6 months
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- History of allergic reactions to Gabapentin
- Participation in another clinical trial
- History of drug or alcohol abuse
- Unable to follow study procedures
Study focus and goals:
The primary goal of this trial is to evaluate how well Gabapentin can reduce pain over a short period compared to placebo. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Gabapentin (300 mg capsules taken by mouth) or a matching placebo. Pain levels will be measured using the Visual Analogue Scale on days 1, 4, and 7 of treatment. The study will also monitor any side effects that occur during the first week of treatment. Researchers aim to understand whether Gabapentin offers a safe and effective option for managing acute nerve pain from herniated discs.
Investigational drug:
The medication being tested is Gabapentin, which is commonly used to treat nerve pain. Gabapentin works by affecting how nerves send pain signals to the brain, potentially reducing the intensity of pain. While Gabapentin is classified as an anticonvulsant medication, it is frequently prescribed for pain management. In this study, it is administered as a 300 mg oral capsule to assess its effectiveness in providing short-term relief for acute lower back and leg pain caused by nerve compression from a herniated disc.
Summary
Currently, there is one active clinical trial focused on sciatica, taking place in France. This trial specifically examines the potential of Gabapentin to provide short-term pain relief for patients with acute lumbosacral radiculopathy caused by herniated discs. The study reflects ongoing efforts to identify effective pain management options for this common and often debilitating condition. Patients interested in participating should note the requirement for hospitalization during the initial 72 hours of the study and the need for recent imaging confirmation of disc herniation. The trial’s focus on short-term outcomes may provide valuable information about early intervention strategies for managing acute nerve pain in the lower back and legs.