A Better Way to Help People with Low Back Pain Using Radiofrequency Nerve Treatment
Official title: A Superiority Trial of Radiofrequency Ablation for Low Back Pain
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11401715 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large NIH-supported study tests whether a targeted nerve-dulling procedure (radiofrequency ablation) can reliably help people with chronic low back pain who meet specific diagnostic criteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,184,018 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AR084723-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401715 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with chronic low back pain thought to originate from lumbar facet joints and who have demonstrated positive responses to medial branch blocks.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not experience meaningful relief and could be exposed to procedure-related risks.
What this research studies
If you have chronic low back pain centered around the lower spine, this study focuses on a precise, minimally invasive procedure that temporarily disrupts nerve signals to the affected area. The researchers are testing whether careful patient selection and standardized technique can produce meaningful improvements in pain and daily function. Participants would undergo the lumbar radiofrequency ablation under study-verified protocols, with follow-up to track outcomes and safety. The goal is to determine if LRFA offers more consistent relief than current practices for well-defined patients. The trial is led by the University of Washington and aims to refine who benefits most from this treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with well-characterized CLBP could experience greater and more durable relief from pain and improved function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials have shown mixed results; this study aims to resolve inconsistencies by optimizing technique and patient selection.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suri, Pradeep — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Suri, Pradeep
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.