Brain Imaging Study for Chronic Back Pain
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The study proposes to investigate the factors related to a person that can enhance or reduce the effectiveness of pain treatments in people suffering with chronic pain. Treatment response to pain killers in a person may be related to their brain, genetics, social, and psychological makeup. The investigators aim to study these factors to identify and develop feasible and robust indicators based on a person's biological makeup (also called biomarkers).
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team to get a clear answer.
Is MRI safe for humans in the context of chronic back pain studies?
How does this treatment for chronic back pain differ from other treatments?
This treatment is unique because it uses advanced brain imaging techniques to understand and address changes in the brain associated with chronic back pain, rather than focusing solely on the physical aspects of the condition. This approach aims to improve diagnosis and treatment by targeting the brain's role in pain perception and processing.678910
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Brain Imaging Study for chronic back pain?
Research shows that brain imaging techniques can help understand how chronic pain affects the brain and may serve as markers to track and treat pain more effectively. These techniques could potentially link patients to the most effective therapies for their pain conditions by detecting changes in brain function.1112131415
Who Is on the Research Team?
Javeria A Hashmi, PhD
Principal Investigator
Dalhousie University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 18-75 with chronic low back pain lasting over 6 months and experiencing moderate pain. Participants must be right-handed, comfortable with English, and able to undergo MRI scans without contraindications like metal implants or claustrophobia. Healthy volunteers matching the age and hand dominance criteria but without pain or significant health issues can also join.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Experimental Data Collection
Data collected in several experimental domains for studying treatment expectations (cognitive, psychosocial, brain-related, genetic)
Placebo Trial
Chronic Back Pain participants receive a mock drug (placebo) to test the clinical usefulness of the biomarkers
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Brain Imaging Study
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Nova Scotia Health Authority
Lead Sponsor