Understanding how social factors affect the transition from acute to chronic low back pain
Official title: Social Health Factors Associated with the Transition from Acute to Chronic Low Back Pain
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10998092 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things like feeling lonely or being socially active can affect whether people with short-term low back pain end up with long-term pain, and it's for anyone who's dealing with acute low back pain and wants to understand how their social life might play a role in their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2024 |
| Project end | September 5, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AR084911-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998092 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are currently experiencing an episode of acute low back pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic low back pain who are not experiencing acute episodes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social health factors, such as social isolation and participation, influence the transition from acute low back pain (LBP) to chronic LBP. By analyzing existing data from individuals experiencing acute LBP, the study aims to identify the impact of sociodemographic and social factors on pain outcomes over three months. Additionally, it will explore the relationship between these social factors and immune system responses during acute LBP episodes. The goal is to uncover potential pathways for interventions that could prevent chronic pain development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing chronic low back pain by addressing social health factors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social determinants of health can significantly impact health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burke, Colleen — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Burke, Colleen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Ketamine-assisted care plan to help Veterans with chronic back pain and depression
A program for Veterans with chronic low back pain and depression that uses ketamine infusions followed by a brief narrative therapy to sustain relief from pain and mood improvement.
-
Savoring Meditation for Chronic Low Back Pain patients
A study tests a brief mindfulness-based practice called Savoring Meditation to help people with chronic low back pain feel better emotionally and manage pain in daily life.
-
Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults and Hip Impairments
A study to help older adults with chronic low back pain, by looking at how hip problems affect their pain and function and testing tailored non-drug treatments.
-
Mechanical signs from the spine’s discs that predict when back pain becomes long-lasting
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.
-
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.
-
Personalized multicomponent therapy for chronic low back pain using smart patient-based algorithms
A U-Michigan-led effort tests a personalized approach to chronic low back pain by tailoring several treatments to individual patients using smart, data-driven decision rules.
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.