Understanding how social factors affect the transition from acute to chronic low back pain

Social Health Factors Associated with the Transition from Acute to Chronic Low Back Pain

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-10998092

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 typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10998092 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are currently experiencing an episode of acute low back pain.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic low back pain who are not experiencing acute episodes may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Durham, 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.