A lab model of chronic disc-related low back pain
Validation of a Translational Model of Chronic Discogenic Low Back Pain
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY-TEMPE CAMPUS · NIH-11195581
Researchers are reproducing a rat model that mimics long-lasting disc-related low back pain to better reflect the symptoms people experience.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY-TEMPE CAMPUS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SCOTTSDALE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11195581 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project recreates a recently published rat model of disc degeneration that produces chronic low back pain so scientists can study the same kind of pain people have. The original lab will train a second lab in the surgical method and the pain behavior tests, and then both labs will run the same experiments at the same time to see if the results match. The work uses surgical procedures in rats to cause disc degeneration and measures changes in pain-related behaviors and responses to interventions. If the model is reproducible across labs, researchers will have a more reliable tool for studying causes of discogenic pain and for testing potential treatments before human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic low back pain caused by degenerating spinal discs who have not found lasting relief from current treatments are the group most likely to benefit from advances this work enables.
Not a fit: People with short-term (acute) back pain, pain from non-disc causes (such as muscle strain or certain nerve compressions), or those needing immediate treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If validated, this model could speed development of more effective treatments and reduce time spent on therapies that fail in humans.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on a recently published rat model that showed promising similarity to human discogenic pain, but cross-laboratory replication remains limited.
Where this research is happening
SCOTTSDALE, UNITED STATES
- ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY-TEMPE CAMPUS — SCOTTSDALE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WACHS, REBECCA ANN — ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY-TEMPE CAMPUS
- Study coordinator: WACHS, REBECCA ANN
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 below.