Non-Drug vs Prescription Care for Spinal Pain in older adults
Official title: Non-Pharmacological Therapies vs. Prescription Drug Therapy for Care of Aged Medicare Beneficiaries with Spinal Pain
Funded at Southern California Univ of Health Scis · NIH-11358928 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant compares non-pharmacological therapies to prescription drug therapy for spinal pain in people aged 65 and up to see which approach provides safer, higher-quality care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Southern California Univ of Health Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Whittier, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $535,524 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AT013300-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358928 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults (typically 65+), experiencing spinal pain and eligible for Medicare, who are considering or receiving both non-drug and prescription therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have access to non-pharmacological options or who are not considering medication-related treatment may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
As a patient or caregiver, you may benefit from clearer guidance on managing spinal pain without relying solely on medications. The project will compare non-drug treatments with prescription therapies to understand which approach offers safer outcomes and better value for older adults. Researchers will use real-world data and patient-centered outcomes to evaluate quality of care and potential adverse events. The study will also involve students to strengthen community-focused research at the institution. Results could inform clinicians, patients, and policymakers about optimal spinal pain management for seniors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could help older adults receive effective spinal pain care with fewer safety risks from medications.
How similar studies have gone: Systematic reviews have shown similar effectiveness between non-drug and prescription approaches for spinal pain, but direct, age-focused comparisons are needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Southern California Univ of Health Scis
Whittier, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moonaz, Steffany — Southern California Univ of Health Scis
- Study coordinator: Moonaz, Steffany
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.