Is Central Sensitization a Predictor of Short-Term Change in Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain?
Official title: The Prognostic Role of Central Sensitization in Short-Term Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Run by Mardin Artuklu University · NCT07826546 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether higher baseline central nervous system sensitivity can predict short-term improvements in disability and pain for adults with chronic nonspecific low back pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Mardin Artuklu University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Mardin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07826546 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–65 with chronic nonspecific low back pain for at least 3 months are eligible, excluding those with certain neurological, inflammatory, malignant, or cognitive conditions or recent changes to antidepressant/gabapentinoid therapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with high-risk exclusions or those who receive no effective change with routine care may not experience a detectable benefit from this observational approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This prospective observational study examines adults with chronic nonspecific low back pain to see if initial signs of central sensitization, measured by the Central Sensitization Inventory, are linked to 6-week clinical outcomes. Participants complete questionnaires on sensitivity, disability, pain, and mood at baseline, then reassess disability, pain, and overall change after six weeks while receiving routine care. A 30% reduction in disability is considered a meaningful improvement. No new treatments are assigned by the study; outcomes relate to standard clinical management. The study aims to clarify whether baseline sensitization helps predict short-term response to care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, baseline central sensitization could help clinicians anticipate which patients may experience greater or lesser short-term benefit from routine care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has explored central sensitization as a prognostic factor in musculoskeletal pain, with mixed but informative findings for short-term outcomes.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 to 65 years * Diagnosis of chronic nonspecific low back pain lasting for at least 3 months * Willingness to participate in the study * Ability to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Progressive neurological deficit * Inflammatory rheumatic disease * Active malignancy * History of serious spinal trauma or spinal surgery * Cognitive impairment that may prevent completion of the assessments or follow-up * Initiation, dose modification, or change of antidepressant or gabapentinoid treatment within the previous 3 months * Pregnancy, postpartum period, or breastfeeding * Inability to provide informed consent
Where it's running
-
Mardin Training and Research Hospital
Mardin, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Taha Yasin YILDIRIM, M.D.
- Email: tyasinyildirim.ftr@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 534 220 77 17
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.