New epidural leads to relieve chronic arm and neck pain
Official title: Thin, Softening Epidural Leads for Chronic Arm and Neck Pain
Funded at Backstop Neural, INC. · NIH-11006736 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, softer type of epidural stimulation device to help people with chronic arm and neck pain feel better by making it easier to implant and more effective for treating their pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Backstop Neural, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | August 20, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $485,026 |
| NIH project number | 1R43NS135863-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006736 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who experience chronic pain in the arm and neck, particularly those who have not found relief from traditional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain conditions or those who do not have chronic arm or neck pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel type of epidural stimulation lead designed to alleviate chronic arm and neck pain. The approach involves creating thinner and softer leads that can be implanted in the cervical spine, which is currently challenging due to the limitations of existing devices. By using advanced materials that allow the leads to soften and conform to the spinal cord after implantation, the study aims to improve the stability and effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation. The research builds on promising preliminary results from animal studies and aims to translate these findings to human applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from chronic arm and neck pain.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with similar approaches in spinal cord stimulation, but this specific application with softening leads is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Backstop Neural, INC.
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Manz, Connie — Backstop Neural, INC.
- Study coordinator: Manz, Connie
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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.