Understanding how aging and sex affect brain mechanisms in chronic low-back pain
Official title: Brain Mechanisms of Chronic Low-Back Pain: Specificity and Effects of Aging and Sex
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11064816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how chronic low-back pain affects the brain differently in older adults and between men and women, with the hope of finding better ways to measure pain and improve treatment options for everyone dealing with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $438,830 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS127901-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064816 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing chronic low-back pain, particularly those who are older or identify as a specific sex.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute back pain or those who do not experience chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain mechanisms involved in chronic low-back pain, focusing on how these mechanisms may differ based on aging and sex. By utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques, the study aims to identify reliable biomarkers that can objectively measure chronic pain, moving beyond traditional subjective assessments. The goal is to enhance the understanding of chronic pain's pathophysiology and improve clinical care by providing clinicians with better tools for patient classification and monitoring. Additionally, the findings could aid in the development of new pain relief medications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments for chronic low-back pain, ultimately improving patients' quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in identifying brain signatures associated with chronic pain, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Geha, Paul — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Geha, Paul
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Brain changes in chronic low back pain across ages and sexes
This project looks for brain-based markers of long-term low back pain and how aging and biological sex change those brain patterns for people with chronic low back pain.
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A Duke study aims to use new imaging and personal factors to see if the mechanical health of spinal discs can predict when acute low back pain becomes chronic.
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Genetic predictors of recovery and surgical outcomes for Veterans with chronic low back pain and lumbosacral spine disorders
This project uses VA health records and genetic information to find DNA markers linked to how Veterans fare with chronic low back pain and related spine conditions.
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.