RecruitingNot Applicable

Offset Mechanisms in Evaluation of Lumbar Medial Branch Blocks

United States40 participantsStarted 2023-07-05

Plain-language summary

This study examines the relationship between central nervous system (CNS) mechanisms of pain inhibition and the pain relief that occurs following a lumbar medial branch block (MBB).

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Scheduled for lumbar MBB in UPMC Pain Management clinics * Age \> 18 years old * Predominantly axial chronic low back pain at least 3 months on a daily basis * Must meet the minimum criteria for cognitive function using the PROMIS 2-item cognitive screener (\>3) * Low back pain intensity of \> 3/10 * Willing and able to receive study-related phone calls Exclusion Criteria: * History of spine surgery at the level of the lumbar MBB * Active worker's compensation or litigation claims * New pain and/or psychiatric treatments within 2 weeks of enrollment * Not fluent in English and/or not able to complete the questionnaires * Any clinically unstable systemic illness that is judged to interfere with the study

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Offset analgesia and onset hyperalgesia

Timeframe: during this portion of the study visit (30 minutes)

Low back pain intensity change

Timeframe: Immediately after lumbar medial branch block and up to 16 hours after lumbar medial branch block

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05961800

SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-06

Contact for this trial

Maya L Maurer, BS

412-665-8052 mam708@pitt.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Pain, Chronic trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.