RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Transauricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Whiplash Associated Disorders

If you've had whiplash that continues to cause problems for months or even years, you're not alone. About half of people with whiplash still have symptoms like pain, trouble moving, and even stress a year after their injury. This study is exploring a gentle treatment called transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS). TaVNS works by sending small electrical pulses to a nerve near your ear, which then helps your body manage pain and stress better. This type of treatment has helped with other pain conditions. Researchers want to find out if taVNS is safe and if it can reduce neck pain, improve daily activities, and help with stress, anxiety, or depression for people with long-term whiplash, compared to a dummy treatment.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Calgary

Enrolment target

Start

21 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 May 2027

Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD)

What is this study about?

Many people who experience whiplash injuries find that their symptoms, such as neck pain, stiffness, and difficulty with daily tasks, can last for a long time – sometimes months or even years. This ongoing problem is called chronic whiplash-associated disorder (WAD). These persistent issues can significantly affect a person's quality of life, making it hard to do simple things and sometimes leading to stress or anxiety.

Our bodies have a clever system called the nervous system that helps control many functions, including how we feel pain and stress. A key part of this system is the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to many parts of the body, playing a big role in balancing our body's responses. When this nerve is stimulated, it can help calm down the body's pain and stress signals. This study is looking at a treatment called transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), which sends very gentle electrical pulses through a small clip placed on the outer ear to stimulate this important nerve.

Researchers want to see if taVNS can help people with long-term whiplash feel better. They're interested in two main things: first, is it safe, and how easy is it for people to complete the treatment? Second, they want to compare taVNS to a 'dummy' treatment (which feels similar but doesn't have the active electrical pulses) to see if it genuinely reduces neck pain, improves how people move, lessens sensitivity to pain, and helps with related issues like stress, anxiety, depression, and overall quality of life. This could offer a new way to manage long-term whiplash symptoms.

Key takeaways

Many with whiplash suffer long-term pain and stress.
This study tests a gentle ear-based treatment called taVNS.
taVNS aims to help manage pain and stress signals in the body.
Researchers want to know if taVNS is safe and effective for chronic whiplash.
Participation involves using a device and attending assessments.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, your whiplash symptoms must have been bothering you for at least three months, but no longer than ten years. You should have ongoing neck pain that is at least a moderate level (scoring 4 out of 10 or higher on average over a week), and your whiplash should be affecting your daily activities to a noticeable degree.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if your whiplash injury involved a broken bone or severe nerve damage, or if you have specific heart conditions (like a very slow heart rate) or certain implanted medical devices (like a pacemaker or cochlear implant). You also can't participate if you have active skin problems near your ear, or if you're pregnant. The researchers also need to make sure you didn't have certain mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia before your whiplash injury. Also, if you’re taking Beta Blockers, or dealing with other serious health conditions like multiple sclerosis or severe diabetes, you might not be suitable.

Essentially, the study needs people with a specific type of chronic whiplash, without other complex medical conditions that could interfere with the treatment or results. The aim is to make sure the study participants are as similar as possible to clearly see the effects of the treatment.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are your whiplash symptoms ongoing for at least 3 months but less than 10 years?
Is your neck pain at least moderately severe (4 out of 10 or more)?
Does your whiplash affect your daily activities?
Do you have any implanted metal or electronic devices near your ear?
Are you pregnant or taking Beta Blocker medications?
Do you have severe heart problems or certain other major health conditions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would be randomly assigned to receive either the active transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) or a 'sham' (dummy) treatment. This means neither you nor the researchers would know which one you are receiving until the end of the study. You would use a small device that clips onto your ear to deliver the pulses for a set period. Throughout the study, you would attend several appointments for assessments. These assessments would involve answering questionnaires about your pain, daily activities, quality of life, stress, anxiety, and depression. You might also have some simple physical tests to check your pain sensitivity, blood pressure, and heart rate. The total duration of your involvement in the study, including treatment and follow-up assessments, would be explained to you in detail if you are invited to join. There are no specific medications involved in the treatment itself, but your current medications would be reviewed to ensure they don't interfere with the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may or may not directly benefit you, but it could help us learn if this new treatment can improve the lives of many people with chronic whiplash in the future. Potential benefits could include a reduction in neck pain, improved movement, and less stress or anxiety. While taVNS is generally considered safe, potential risks might include mild skin irritation where the device is placed, or slight discomfort from the electrical pulses. These are usually temporary and mild. Your safety is a priority, and all potential risks will be thoroughly explained to you. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Vivo Cura Health
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is whiplash-associated disorder (WAD)?

WAD refers to ongoing neck pain and other symptoms that can happen after a whiplash injury, sometimes lasting for months or years.

What is transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS)?

It's a treatment that uses gentle electrical pulses through a small device on your ear to stimulate a nerve that helps manage pain and stress.

Will I feel electrical pulses?

Yes, you might feel a mild tingle, but it should not be painful. The researchers will ensure the settings are comfortable for you.

How long will I need to be in the study?

The full length of your participation, including treatment and check-ups, will be clearly explained to you before you agree to join.

Can I continue with my usual treatments?

The researchers will discuss your current treatments with you to make sure they don't interfere with the study. Some medications might make you unsuitable.

How to find out more

Jennifer Laxshimalla

jennifer.laxshimalla@vivocura.ca 403-265-3838 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.