Using total-body PET scans to understand myofascial pain

Total-body PET for assessing myofascial pain

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-10571508

This study is looking at myofascial pain syndrome, a painful condition, by using special scans to better understand how your muscles and tissues are working, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with chronic low back pain feel better.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10571508 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), a common and debilitating condition, by utilizing total-body Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (TB-PET/CT) scans. The goal is to develop new biomarkers that can quantitatively assess myofascial tissue metabolism, blood flow, and fat infiltration, which are crucial for understanding pain sources. By monitoring these factors, the research aims to improve the evaluation of treatment responses and outcomes for patients suffering from chronic low back pain. This innovative approach could lead to better-targeted therapies for managing MPS.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience chronic low back pain, particularly those with myofascial pain syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients with acute pain conditions or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new ways to assess and treat myofascial pain, leading to improved patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using imaging techniques to assess pain conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

DAVIS, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.