Personalized Ultrasound Trial Targets Chronic Back Pain as Germany’s Treatment Gap Widens
05.06.2026 - 03:16:39 | boerse-global.de
More than 20 million people in Germany live with chronic pain, yet experts say the therapies available are failing to keep pace with demand. A new clinical trial launched in early June at Munich’s LMU Klinikum hopes to change that by testing a highly individualized approach to neuromodulation.
The NeuroPain study uses focused ultrasound guided by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans of each patient’s brain. The technique is designed to treat chronic lower back pain by precisely targeting the neural circuits involved, rather than relying on one-size-fits-all pain management.
“The current treatment offering simply isn’t sufficient,” said Lilit Flöther of the University Hospital Halle. Frank Petzke of the German Pain Society added that government savings plans could jeopardize inpatient multimodal pain facilities, further squeezing a system already struggling to meet demand.
For those seeking alternatives, physical fitness has emerged as a powerful tool. Harvard Health Publishing released a guide in early June identifying cardiorespiratory fitness as the single strongest predictor of longevity. The advice: combine strength, endurance, and balance training, and walk at least 7,000 steps daily.
Core strength receives special emphasis. Beginners should start with a 20- to 30-second plank, keeping the body straight and the abdominal muscles engaged throughout. Such exercises stabilize the spine and promote upright posture, reducing the risk of chronic back problems.
Extreme runner Joyce HĂĽbner illustrates what the body can achieve: by early June she had already completed 367 consecutive marathons, aiming for 495 in 495 days.
Insurance Funds Prevention Courses
Statutory health insurers in Germany support certified courses in exercise, nutrition, and stress management. Reimbursement varies by provider:
- Techniker Krankenkasse: up to €300 per year
- IKK classic: €180
- Knappschaft: €160
- BARMER: €150 to €200
- DAK: roughly €150
Local demand is rising too. In Bernau near Berlin, Pilates and gymnastics classes taught by instructors such as Antinéa and Christina Schmeling focus on deep stabilizer muscles. For home training, a June episode of the Tele-Gym program targets back muscles with 15-minute functional figure-training exercises led by Gabi Fastner. Regular sessions help prevent postural damage and maintain spinal resilience during the workday.
