NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Tissue Structure and Nerve Changes in the Sacroiliac Joint

Official title: Tissue Structural and Neural Remodeling in Human Sacroiliac Joint

Funded at Clemson University · NIH-11621205 · Data updated 2026-11-12

Researchers are studying how the sacroiliac joint contributes to low back pain by looking at its tissue structure and nerve-related changes.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionClemson University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Clemson, United States)
Project startSeptember 15, 2018
Project endJuly 31, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$217,890
NIH project number5P20GM121342-09
Project IDNIH-11621205 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults experiencing low back pain where SIJ involvement is suspected may be eligible, especially those with unclear diagnoses or overlapping SIJ symptoms.

Less likely to help

Individuals without sacroiliac joint–related pain or those not meeting study criteria may not experience direct benefit.

What this research studies

This project focuses on understanding how the sacroiliac joint biomechanically supports the body and how its tissues and nerves may contribute to pain. Using 3-D anatomical analysis and tissue studies, the team aims to link structural features with pain mechanisms in people with low back pain. The work combines human tissue insights with imaging and biomechanical data to improve diagnosis and guide therapies for SIJ-related pain.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Better understanding of SIJ pain could lead to more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatments for patients suffering from low back pain linked to the sacroiliac joint.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests that integrating biomechanics and tissue biology can reveal mechanisms of pain, supporting potential benefits of this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Clemson University
    Clemson, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Chen, Peng — Clemson University
  • Study coordinator: Chen, Peng

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.