Increase use of non-drug therapies for chronic low back pain
Official title: Feasibility Study to Increase use of non-Pharmacological Therapies for Chronic Low Back Pain
Funded at Rand Corporation · NIH-11358692 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to help people with chronic low back pain use proven non-pharmacological therapies more often, by empowering patients to advocate for these treatments in their networks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rand Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Monica, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $757,923 |
| NIH project number | 1R34AT013845-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358692 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years or older with chronic low back pain who have used non-pharmacological therapies and are willing to advocate within their networks.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without chronic low back pain or those not seeking non-drug therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
Chronic low back pain affects a large portion of adults and costs lives and money. This project will adapt a proven social networking approach to encourage people who successfully manage their pain with non-drug therapies to share tips and support within their circles. A scientific and community advisory board will guide the work to ensure it is practical, scalable, and respectful of participants’ experiences. The plan includes creating a repository of resources and engaging both patients and providers to improve access and adoption of non-pharmacological options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience greater access to effective non-drug therapies and improved pain and function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous social-network-based interventions have shown potential to influence health behaviors in other conditions, but this exact approach for CLBP is being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Rand Corporation
Santa Monica, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Malika, Nipher Mercy — Rand Corporation
- Study coordinator: Malika, Nipher Mercy
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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.