Investigating pain mechanisms in low back pain patients
Back Pain - Linking Phenotype to Pain Mechanism and Outcome.
Balgrist University Hospital · NCT04433299
This study is trying to understand the different ways people experience low back pain by looking at their pain experiences and testing their responses to pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Balgrist University Hospital (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Zürich, Zurich) |
| Trial ID | NCT04433299 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to identify different clinical, psychophysical, and neurophysiological phenotypes among patients suffering from low back pain. Participants will complete a detailed questionnaire about their pain experiences, including pain drawings, and some will undergo standardized quantitative sensory testing and fMRI procedures to assess their pain mechanisms. The study seeks to enhance understanding of how various factors contribute to low back pain outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing low back pain that is not attributable to serious underlying conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with major medical or psychiatric conditions affecting pain sensitivity or those with contraindications to MRI may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized treatment approaches for low back pain based on identified pain mechanisms.
How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored pain mechanisms, this specific approach linking phenotype to pain outcomes is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: -primary complaint: low back pain clinically not attributable to red flags Exclusion Criteria: * any major medical or psychiatric condition that affects pain sensitivity * contraindications to MRI
Where this trial is running
Zürich, Zurich
- Balgrist University Hospital — Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Petra Schweinhardt, MD, PhD — Balgrist University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Lucas Tauschek, BSc
- Email: lucas.tauschek@balgrist.ch
- Phone: +41 44 386 57 11
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Low Back Pain, low back pain, phenotype