This is a clinical study of patients who have low back pain (for at least 6 months). The goal is to understand, with brain imaging, how auriculotherapy (an acupuncture-like stimulation of the ear) may work to relieve pain. There are 4 total study visits, divided into two pairs of visits that occur before and 5-7 days after receiving either a real or sham auriculotherapy treatment. The cryo-IQ device will be used, to stimulate 7 small areas on both ears with a focused jet of cold as a small amount of compressed gas is released. This is generally not painful, and less invasive, compared to using needles for auriculotherapy.
Who can participate
Age range18 Years
SexALL
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Inclusion criteria
✓. Adult, at least 18 years old
✓. Episodes of chronic low back pain at least daily for at least 6 months, with an average pain score within the last week of 3/10.
Exclusion criteria
✕. active lesions, skin disruptions, or neuropathy of either ear;
✕. recent (\<1 month) analgesic procedures or surgery;
✕. recent (\<1 month) start of new analgesic or psychoactive medication (including marijuana, opioids, tramadol, methadone, gabapentinoids, anti-depressants, anti-epileptics, mood-stabilizers, anti-psychotics, or stimulants);
✕. history of chronic pain in shoulder or thumb (to avoid confounding at control stimulation points);