Spinal cord–induced muscle stimulation for chronic low back pain

A Prospective Evaluation of Spinal Cord Induced Muscle Stimulation (MuscleSCS) for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain

This study will test a spinal cord-induced muscle stimulation device (MuscleSCS) to see if it reduces chronic low back pain in adults who have predominant back pain and meet specific SCS response criteria.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Saint Francis Hospital (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Charleston, West Virginia)
• Trial ID: NCT07215104 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, multi-center interventional study comparing the safety and effectiveness of spinal cord-induced muscle stimulation (MuscleSCS) for chronic low back pain. Eligible adults include patients with persistent spinal pain syndrome (PSPS) type 1 or 2 and predominant low back pain, many of whom already use BurstDR spinal cord stimulation and have demonstrated substantial pain relief. Participants will receive MuscleSCS therapy and be followed for clinical outcomes including pain intensity and device-related safety events. The sponsor is Saint Francis Hospital with collaboration from Abbott, and procedures are performed at participating spine centers including the WVUM/Thomas Hospitals Spine and Nerve Center in Charleston, West Virginia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) with chronic low back pain (PSPS type 1 or 2) and predominant back pain who are able to consent and who either are satisfied responders to BurstDR SCS or achieved >50% pain reduction with SCS trial stimulation are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients who have not responded to SCS therapies, have disqualifying imaging findings or other significant spinal pathology, or who cannot operate the device are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, MuscleSCS could provide better or more targeted relief of chronic low back pain by activating back muscles through spinal cord stimulation.

How similar studies have performed: Traditional spinal cord stimulation and BurstDR paradigms have shown benefit for chronic low back pain in prior trials, but targeted spinal cord–induced muscle stimulation (MuscleSCS) is a newer approach with limited published outcome data.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with PSPS type 1 and 2
2. Patients with predominant back pain
3. Patient must be willing and able to provide written informed consent before any clinical investigation-related procedure
4. Age ≥18 y
5. Patients with SCS(BurstDR) stimulation in situ for more than 6 month and \>50% pain relief. Patients have to be satisfied with their existing SCS therapy and predominantly use a BurstDR stimulation program.

   (Only responders to that therapy should be included, not patients who have not responded to their therapy so far.) \[GROUP 1\]
6. Low back pain baseline score of ≥6 on NRS before spinal cord stimulation therapy and a MCID (Minimal clinically important difference) of \>50% with SCS(BurstDRTM) trial stimulation. \[GROUP 2\]
7. Willing and able to comply with the instructions for use, operate the study device, and comply with this clinical investigation plan

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pathology seen on imaging tests obtained within the past 12 month that is clearly identified and is likely the cause of the CLBP, that can be addressed with surgery
2. Primary symptom of leg pain, or leg pain is greater than back pain
3. Back pain is due to any of the following: vascular causes (eg, aortic aneurysm), spinal infection (eg, osteomyelitis), inflammation or damage to the spinal cord (eg, arachnoiditis or syringomyelia), tumor or spinal metastases
4. Has widespread pain (eg, fibromyalgia) or pain in other area(s), not intended to be treated in this study (eg, neck pain, shoulder pain)
5. Patient has used a morphine equivalent daily dose of \>50 MME in the last 30 days
6. Patients with regular intake of systemic steroids (except inhaled steroids used to treat asthma)
7. Imaging (MRI, CT, x-ray) findings within the last 12 mon that contraindicate lead placement
8. Known allergic reaction to implanted materials
9. Severe scoliotic deformity (\>11◦ in thoracic or lumbar spine)
10. Patient has a history of or existing intrathecal drug pump
11. Patient with other existing implantable electrical devices, i.e. pacemakers, bladder stimulators, etc.
12. Patient has previous experience with neuromodulation devices, including a failed trial
13. BMI \>40
14. Patient is enrolled, or intends to participate, in another clinical drug and/or device study or registry that may interfere with the results of this study.
15. Presence of other anatomic or comorbid conditions, or other medical, social, or psychologic conditions that, in the investigator's opinion, could limit the subject's ability to participate in the clinical investigation or to comply with follow-up requirements of the clinical investigation results
16. Failed psychologic evaluation
17. Suspicion or evidence of untreated mental illness, substance abuse, or drug-seeking behavior
18. Patient is in current litigation for back pain/injury, or is currently receiving worker's compensation
19. Pregnant or nursing subjects and those who plan pregnancy during the clinical investigation follow-up period.

Where this trial is running

Charleston, West Virginia

• WVUM/Thomas Hospitals (Saint Francis Hospital) Spine and Nerve Center — Charleston, West Virginia, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Timothy R Deer, MD — WVUM/Thomas Hospitals (Saint Francis Hospital) Spine and Nerve Center
• Study coordinator: Amy Young, RN, BSN, DMPNA

Conditions Chronic Low Back Pain