New imaging techniques for assessing myofascial pain
Development and Identification of Magnetic Resonance, Electrophysiological, and Fiber-optic Imaging Biomarkers of Myofascial Pain
This study is testing new imaging methods to see if they can help identify myofascial pain in people with neck, shoulder, or back pain compared to healthy individuals.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Saint Louis, Missouri) |
| Trial ID | NCT06036524 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to develop innovative imaging biomarkers for myofascial pain by utilizing a combination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), surface electromyography (sEMG), and fiber-optic imaging and sensing. Participants will include individuals with active neck, shoulder, or back pain as well as healthy controls. Each participant will undergo all three imaging techniques and complete questionnaires during a single visit. The goal is to identify biomarkers that can differentiate between healthy individuals and those experiencing myofascial pain for future clinical trials.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 80 with a history of neck and/or shoulder pain lasting longer than four weeks.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of chronic pain in the targeted areas or those with contraindications to MRI may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic tools for myofascial pain, enhancing treatment strategies for affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in using multi-modal imaging techniques for pain assessment.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Healthy Volunteer Inclusion Criteria: 1. Absence of a history of chronic pain in the targeted anatomical location (i.e., neck and shoulder) that had limited activities of daily living or work 2. A numerical current pain index of lower than 0.5 according to initial assessment with visual analog scale 3. Able to understand the goal of the project and give informed consent. Healthy Volunteer Exclusion Criteria: 1. Pregnancy or breastfeeding 2. Contraindication to MRI 3. Previous severe/acute neck or shoulder injury 4. Previous neck or shoulder surgery 5. Neck or shoulder deformities 6. Inability to provide consent. Myofascial Pain Patient Inclusion Criteria: 1. Between the ages of 18 and 80 years old 2. Neck and/or shoulder pain, unilateral or bilateral 3. Duration of symptoms for longer than 4 weeks 4. Pain scale at the active state higher than 4 according to initial assessment with visual analog scale 5. Presence of active trigger point(s) according to palpation and/or presence of taut band Myofascial Pain Patient Exclusion Criteria: 1. Recent history of trauma to the neck (e.g., whiplash) 2. Acute cervical radiculopathy 3. Acute cervical spine pain component or acute cervical spinal pathology Presence of neuromuscular pathologies or inflammatory muscle diseases (e.g., dermatomyositis) 4. Systemic disease with diffuse body pain (e.g., system lupus erythematosus and and thyroid disease) 5. Peripheral neuropathy 6. Cancer-related pain 7. Pregnancy, coagulopathy, fever, general/local infection at the pain site, substance abuse, peripheral neuropathy, or any other diseases that may account for signs and symptoms mimicking myofascial pain 8. Contraindication to MRI.
Where this trial is running
Saint Louis, Missouri
- Washington University — Saint Louis, Missouri, United States (Recruiting)
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.