Exploring new treatments for low back pain in military veterans
Official title: Investigating Novel Interventions for Low Back Pain in US Military Veterans: A Randomized Controlled Adaptive Phase II Trial
Funded at Durham VA Medical Center · NIH-11044060 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether two new treatments can help relieve chronic low back pain in US military veterans, without the risks of traditional pain medications, by comparing them to a placebo in a way that keeps everyone guessing which one they’re getting.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Durham VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002667-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044060 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are US military veterans suffering from chronic low back pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic low back pain or are not military veterans may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the safety and effectiveness of two neurosteroid molecules as potential treatments for chronic low back pain specifically in US military veterans. The study employs a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, meaning that participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the treatment or a placebo without knowing which they are receiving. The goal is to determine if these neurosteroids can provide relief from pain without the risks associated with traditional opioid medications. By focusing on veterans, the research aims to address a critical need for effective pain management in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, non-addictive treatments for chronic low back pain, improving the quality of life for veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with neurosteroids in pain management, indicating potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Durham VA Medical Center
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Naylor, Jennifer C — Durham VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Naylor, Jennifer C
Related research
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Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults and Hip Impairments
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Mechanical signs from the spine’s discs that predict when back pain becomes long-lasting
A Duke study aims to use new imaging and personal factors to see if the mechanical health of spinal discs can predict when acute low back pain becomes chronic.
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Genetic predictors of recovery and surgical outcomes for Veterans with chronic low back pain and lumbosacral spine disorders
This project uses VA health records and genetic information to find DNA markers linked to how Veterans fare with chronic low back pain and related spine conditions.
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.