Combining brain stimulation with steroid injections for chronic spinal pain relief

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pilot randomized controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of combining repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with steroid joint injections (SJI) in individuals suffering from chronic spinal pain (CSP). The study aims to assess the feasibility, tolerability, safety, and patient response to this combined intervention. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active rTMS with SJI or sham rTMS with SJI, with the goal of determining if the combination leads to greater and longer-lasting pain relief compared to SJI alone. The study is conducted at St. Joseph's Health Centre Pain Clinic in London, Ontario, Canada.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Currently receiving recurrent steroid joint injections for control of chronic spinal pain at the St. Joseph's Health Centre Pain Clinic in London, Ontario, Canada,
* Have pain in the spinal region of an intensity ≥4 out of 10 in the week before your most recent steroid joint injection,
* Have received at least 2 steroid joint injections within the last 12 months at regular intervals
* Have had a consistent medication regimen for the past 3 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to read, understand, and speak English and are not able to give consent
* Known or suspected serious spinal pathology (tumour, fracture, dislocation, scoliosis)
* Spinal surgery in the past 12 months
* History of uncontrolled mental health condition(s)
* Meet any specific rTMS-related exclusion criteria listed on the safety screening questionnaire (S1; Rossi et al., 2008).

Where it's running

• St. Joseph's Health Care London
  London, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
• Parkwood Institute (Main Building)
  London, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Siobhan Schabrun — London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's
• Study coordinator: Alexandria Roa Agudelo, MLA
• Email: alexandria.roaagudelo@sjhc.london.on.ca
• Phone: 519-646-6100

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.