Blood markers that predict who will get long-lasting low back pain
Biomarkers to Advance Clinical Phenotypes of Low Back Pain (BACk)
This project checks whether blood and immune markers in people with new low back pain can predict who will still have pain months later.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146530 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I join, I'll be one of about 480 people with recent low back pain recruited in Durham and Cabarrus, North Carolina. I'll give blood at the start, at 3 months (the main check), and at 6 months, and I'll do pain sensitivity testing, physical performance tests, wear an activity tracker, and complete questionnaires, with a 12-month survey by phone or online. Researchers will measure inflammatory cytokines and immune cell profiles in my blood and compare those signals between people who recover and those whose pain becomes chronic. The goal is to find biological clues that explain why pain persists so doctors can develop better early treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have recently developed acute low back pain and are willing to provide blood samples, complete physical tests, wear an activity tracker, and attend visits in the Durham/Cabarrus area.
Not a fit: People with long-standing chronic low back pain, those unable to give blood, or those who cannot travel to the study sites may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to blood tests or immune-targeted treatments that help prevent or treat chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has found higher inflammatory markers in chronic low back pain, but using those markers to predict who develops chronic pain is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goode, Adam — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Goode, Adam
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.