Using propranolol and education to treat chronic pain
Reconsolidation Therapy With Propranolol as a Novel Treatment for Chronic Pain : a Placebo-controlled Feasibility Study
This study is testing if a combination of a medication called propranolol and education about pain can help adults with chronic low back pain or fibromyalgia feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Université de Sherbrooke Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Sherbrooke, Quebec and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05085782 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a combined intervention involving pain neuroscience education and reconsolidation therapy with propranolol for adults suffering from chronic low back pain or fibromyalgia. The approach is based on the premise that chronic pain may share similarities with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly in terms of abnormal synaptic changes in the brain. Participants will receive either propranolol or a placebo, and their pain and function will be assessed one month after the intervention to estimate the effect size and inform future larger studies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are French-speaking adults with chronic low back pain or fibromyalgia lasting more than six months and experiencing an average pain level of at least 4 out of 10.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to propranolol or severe uncontrolled neurological or psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a novel approach to managing chronic pain, potentially improving patients' quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, it draws on concepts from PTSD treatment, suggesting potential for success, though it remains largely untested in the context of chronic pain.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * French speaking * Suffering from \[chronic low back pain OR fibromyalgia\] for \>6 months * Average pain at least 4/10 * Central sensitization (assessed via a standardized physiotherapy evaluation and the Central Sensitization Inventory) Exclusion Criteria: * Health condition for which propranolol is contra-indicated * Medication with which co-administration of propranolol is contra-indicated * Severe or uncontrolled neurological/psychiatric condition (including post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, etc.) * Surgery of the lower-back in the last 3 years * Litigation surrounding the painful condition
Where this trial is running
Sherbrooke, Quebec and 1 other locations
- Centre de recherche sur le vieillissement (CdRV) — Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
- CRCHUS: Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke — Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Guillaume Leonard, PhD — Université de Sherbrooke
- Study coordinator: Guillaume Leonard, PhD
- Email: guillaumne.leonard2@usherbrooke.ca
- Phone: 819-780-2220
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.