Using deep brain stimulation to treat chronic low back pain
Official title: Deep Brain Stimulation of the Subgenual Cingulate Cortex for the Treatment of Medically Refractory Chronic Low Back Pain
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10221068 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how a special brain treatment called deep brain stimulation can help people with chronic low back pain who haven't found relief from regular treatments, and it aims to make the treatment more effective by personalizing it based on brain scans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,009,678 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3NS113661-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10221068 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic low back pain that has not improved with standard medical therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with low back pain resulting from identifiable structural issues that can be surgically corrected may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the subgenual cingulate cortex to alleviate chronic low back pain (CLBP) that has not responded to traditional treatments. The approach involves utilizing advanced DBS devices that can precisely target brain networks associated with pain perception and emotional response. By identifying neuroimaging biomarkers, the study aims to personalize treatment and improve outcomes for patients suffering from CLBP. Participants will be monitored for changes in pain levels and overall quality of life throughout the treatment process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from chronic low back pain, potentially reducing reliance on opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neuromodulation techniques for pain management, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bari, Ausaf — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Bari, Ausaf
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Deep Brain Stimulation for Chronic Low Back Pain
A new brain-targeted therapy is tested to help people with long-standing, hard-to-treat low back pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments.
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Deep brain stimulation targeting mood-related brain areas to relieve chronic low back pain
This project uses a next-generation deep brain stimulator to target brain areas involved in the emotional side of chronic low back pain for people whose pain has not improved with other treatments.
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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.
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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.
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.