Telefitting spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain management
Official title: The Teaspoon Study - Telefitting Spinal Cord Stimulation for Pain
Run by University of Minnesota · NCT05741788 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing different types of spinal cord stimulation to see which one helps people with chronic back pain feel better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 22 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | October 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | October 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05741788 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 22 and older who are scheduled to undergo spinal cord stimulation and have a baseline pain rating of 6 or higher.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are scheduled for permanent implantation without a trial or those with existing neurostimulators may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of different spinal cord stimulation patterns in patients scheduled for treatment of chronic back pain or radiculopathy. Participants will undergo a structured optimization process where they will experience various stimulation types (tonic, burst, and multistim) while being blinded to the specific type used. Over four months, participants will report their daily pain scores to determine which stimulation pattern provides the most significant pain relief. The study aims to improve the success rate of spinal cord stimulation by identifying the most effective stimulation settings for individual patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective pain management strategies for patients with chronic pain conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While spinal cord stimulation is a well-established treatment, this specific approach of optimizing stimulation patterns through a blinded evaluation is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 22 years of age or older * Scheduled to undergo spinal cord stimulation * English speaker * Baseline pain rating (NRS/VAS) \>=6 Exclusion Criteria: * Scheduled for permanent implantation only without trial * Presence of pacemakers or other neurostimulators * Pregnant * Inability to read or use smart phone * Individuals who are unable to consent * Employees or students of PI * Prisoners
Where it's running
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David Darrow, MD — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: David Darrow, MD
- Email: darro015@umn.edu
- Phone: 612-624-6666
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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.