Understanding how fat infiltration in back muscles affects chronic low back pain

Mechanistic structure-function relationships for paraspinal muscle fat infiltration in chronic low back pain patients

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11061362

This study is looking at how fat buildup in the muscles around the spine might be linked to chronic low back pain, and it's for people who experience this kind of pain to help find better treatment options just for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11061362 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between fat infiltration in paraspinal muscles and chronic low back pain (cLBP). By using advanced MRI techniques, the study aims to identify patterns of fat infiltration and how they correlate with muscle function and patient-specific movements. The goal is to better understand the underlying mechanisms of cLBP, which could lead to more effective treatment options tailored to individual patients. Participants will undergo imaging and assessments to gather data on their condition.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic low back pain, particularly those with suspected muscle degeneration.

Not a fit: Patients without chronic low back pain or those with acute back injuries may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for chronic low back pain by identifying specific muscle dysfunctions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding muscle degeneration and its impact on back pain, but this specific approach using fat infiltration patterns is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.