New imaging techniques for understanding chronic low back pain
Novel imaging of endplate biomarkers in chronic low back pain
This study is looking at new MRI techniques to help doctors better understand how problems with the spine's endplates might be causing your chronic low back pain, so they can find the best treatments for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10375979 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced imaging tools to better identify and understand the role of endplate pathology in chronic low back pain (cLBP). By utilizing innovative MRI techniques, the project aims to provide accurate, noninvasive measures of endplate conditions and their interactions with surrounding muscles. The goal is to refine patient selection for treatments and uncover specific biomarkers that correlate with pain and disability. Patients with cLBP will be assessed using both new and traditional MRI methods to validate these imaging techniques.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic low back pain, particularly those suspected of having endplate pathology.
Not a fit: Patients with acute back pain or those without any identifiable endplate issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more precise diagnoses and targeted treatments for patients suffering from chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for diagnosing and understanding back pain, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fields, Aaron J — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Fields, Aaron J
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.