Understanding how race and socioeconomic status affect chronic low back pain
Racial and Socioeconomic Differences in Chronic Low Back Pain
This study looks at how race and income levels affect the experiences of people with chronic low back pain to see if there are differences in how they feel and respond to treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (St Louis, Missouri) |
| Trial ID | NCT05991440 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the impact of racial background and socioeconomic factors on individuals experiencing chronic low back pain (cLBP). It focuses on participants aged 18 to 85 who identify as either Black/African American or White/Caucasian and have suffered from non-specific cLBP for at least three months. By examining these differences, the study seeks to uncover potential disparities in pain experiences and treatment outcomes related to race and socioeconomic status.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 85 with chronic low back pain lasting at least three months who identify as Black/African American or White/Caucasian.
Not a fit: Patients with low back pain due to specific medical conditions or those with other chronic pain conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more tailored and effective pain management strategies for diverse populations.
How similar studies have performed: While studies examining racial and socioeconomic disparities in health outcomes exist, this specific focus on chronic low back pain is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion: * Non-specific cLBP that has persisted for at least 3 months and has resulted in pain on at least half the days in the past 6 months. * Age 18 - 85; the lower end of this age range was chosen to capture the growing prevalence of young adults with cLBP, and participants over 85 years are increasingly likely to meet one or more exclusion criteria. * Participants report ethnic group as non-Hispanic and racial group as either Black/African American or White/Caucasian. Exclusion: * Low back pain that is attributable to other factors such as ankylosing spondylitis, infection, malignancy, compression fracture of other trauma. * Systemic rheumatic disease/condition (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, fibromyalgia). * Any other chronic pain condition that the participant believes to be more prominent or severe than the low back pain. * A history of clinically significant surgery to the low back within the past year. * Uncontrolled hypertension (i.e. SBP/DBP of \> 150/95), cardiovascular or peripheral arterial disease. * Poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c \> 8%). * Neurological disease (e.g. Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy). * Serious psychiatric disorder requiring hospitalization within the past 12 months or characterized by active suicidal ideation. * Diminished cognitive function that would interfere with understanding of study procedures.
Where this trial is running
St Louis, Missouri
- Washington University School of Medicine — St Louis, Missouri, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Burel Goodin, PhD — Washington University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Burel R Goodin, PhD
- Email: burel@wustl.edu
- Phone: 314-273-6403
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.