Coordinated non-drug care program for chronic low back pain
1/2 IMPACt-LBP CCC
This project brings together doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists to deliver coordinated non-drug care for adults with chronic low back pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142609 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be offered a team-based approach that uses first-line non-pharmacological treatments such as spinal manipulation, exercise, and targeted physical therapy instead of relying on opioids. The team will set up care pathways and train clinicians to deliver this coordinated model across participating clinics and track patient outcomes over time. Adults with ongoing low back pain will be enrolled at clinical sites and asked about pain, function, opioid prescriptions, and satisfaction while receiving care. The goal is to refine and expand a safer, effective way to manage low back pain in routine care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21 years and older) with chronic low back pain who receive ambulatory care and are willing to try non-drug treatments would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with acute traumatic spine injuries, clear surgical emergencies, or medical reasons that make chiropractic or physical therapy unsafe may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce pain and improve function while lowering opioid prescriptions and overall healthcare use for people with chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have performed: Smaller studies and prior work by the study team have shown this multidisciplinary, non-drug approach can be safe and improve function while reducing opioid use, but broad, rigorous implementation is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goertz, Christine Marie — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Goertz, Christine Marie
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.