Self-help acupressure for Veterans with chronic low back pain
Self-Administered Acupressure for Veterans with Chronic Back Pain: A Multisite Evaluation of Effectiveness and Implementation
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION · NIH-11080201
This project teaches Veterans with ongoing low back pain to use acupressure on themselves to try to lessen pain and improve daily function.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11080201 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would learn a simple acupressure routine and how to apply it yourself, using instruction from VA staff or provided materials. The program runs at multiple VA medical centers and asks you to practice the technique at home while staff check in periodically. Researchers will collect short surveys and pain and function measures over time to see how well the approach works and how easy it is to use. The team will also track whether Veterans stick with the routine and how acceptable it is to both patients and providers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Veterans receiving care at participating VA centers who have chronic low back pain and are able and willing to learn and perform self-administered acupressure.
Not a fit: People with acute surgical spine conditions, serious underlying causes of back pain (like infection or fracture), or those unable to perform self-treatment because of severe physical or cognitive limitations may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give Veterans an affordable, low-risk self-care option that may reduce back pain and decrease reliance on pain medications.
How similar studies have performed: Smaller trials and trials of related acupoint therapies have shown some benefit for chronic low back pain, but large multisite implementation in VA care is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
- VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION — ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KREIN, SARAH — VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
- Study coordinator: KREIN, SARAH
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.