Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Distinguishing Non-Specific Low Back Pain from Scoliosis-Related Pain Via Quality of Life Questionnaires

Italy225 participantsStarted 2025-01-07

Plain-language summary

Vertebral deformities, such as scoliosis, can have a significant impact on the physical and psychological health of patients. Over time, specific tools have been developed to investigate the extent of this impact; the SRS-22 (Scoliosis Research Society) questionnaire is the most commonly used instrument for assessing quality of life (QoL) in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), on the other hand, was developed to evaluate the quality of life in adult patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. The clinical protocols at our institute involve the regular and continuous evaluation of the quality of life in patients undergoing treatment and monitoring for scoliosis and other vertebral deformities. To this end, the SRS-22 questionnaire and the ODI questionnaire are employed, along with other measures such as the COMI (Core Outcome Measure Index) and ISYQoL (Italian Spine Youth Quality of Life). The aim of this study is to compare the properties of the ODI with those of the SRS-22 questionnaire in adults, by analyzing differences between individuals with non-specific low back pain and those with scoliosis. The secondary objective involves a sub-analysis based on the severity of scoliosis, dividing curves into major (30° Cobb or higher) and minor (below 30° Cobb). Finally, if sufficient data are available, the study will also evaluate other commonly used questionnaires (COMI and ISYQoL).

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: * Age ≥ 18 years * Diagnosis of idiopathic or degenerative scoliosis with a curve \>10° Cobb and * low back pain * Diagnosis of non-specific low back pain Exclusion Criteria: * Previous spinal surgery * Significant past illnesses, surgeries, or trauma * Secondary scoliosis * Other deformities such as spondylolisthesis and spinal canal stenosis * Incomplete ODI and SRS-22 data

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

Questionnaires comparison

Timeframe: through study completion, an average of 1 year

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06779240

SponsorIstituto Scientifico Italiano Colonna Vertebrale

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2026-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Idiopathic Scoliosis trials