How fat builds up in back muscles with chronic low back pain
Official title: Mechanistic structure-function relationships for paraspinal muscle fat infiltration in chronic low back pain patients
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11306684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will use advanced MRI plus movement and muscle tests to link patterns of fat in back muscles to symptoms in people with chronic low back pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $337,535 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081324-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11306684 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with chronic (long‑standing) low back pain who can undergo MRI scanning and movement testing are the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with only short‑term (acute) back pain, primarily leg‑dominant nerve compression (radiculopathy), or those who cannot have an MRI may not directly benefit from this project.
What this research studies
This project uses advanced MRI to create detailed 3‑D 'fat maps' of the paraspinal (back) muscles alongside standard spine imaging. Participants will undergo movement testing and muscle‑activation measurements so researchers can compare fat distribution with how people move and use their back muscles. The team will examine whether disc degeneration or local inflammation relates to nearby muscle fat and functional changes. Findings aim to reveal patterns that could help tailor treatments or rehabilitation to individual patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help doctors personalize treatments by identifying which muscle or spinal problems contribute to a patient's chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have found increased fat in back muscles in some people with chronic low back pain but results are inconsistent, and combining 3‑D fat mapping with movement and muscle‑activation testing is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bailey, Jeannie Fern — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Bailey, Jeannie Fern
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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.