Imaging Metabolic and Perfusion Changes in Acupuncture Therapy for Myofascial Pain Syndrome (NCT07494162) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Imaging Metabolic and Perfusion Changes in Acupuncture Therapy for Myofascial Pain Syndrome
United States64 participantsStarted 2026-05-18
Plain-language summary
This study will evaluate the clinical and biological effects of acupuncture for chronic low back pain associated with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).
In this randomized, participant- and assessor-blinded clinical trial, 64 adults with chronic low back pain due to MPS will be assigned to receive either true acupuncture or sham acupuncture for eight weeks. Participants will undergo total-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (TB-PET/CT) imaging and complete standardized pain and functional questionnaires at baseline and after treatment.
The study will evaluate whether acupuncture improves pain and function compared with sham treatment and whether TB-PET/CT imaging can detect changes in myofascial tissue metabolism and perfusion that correspond with clinical outcomes.
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:
* Ability to understand the purposes and risks of the trial and willingness to sign an informed consent form
* Willingness and ability to comply with all protocol required procedures
* Willingness to be randomized to receive either true acupuncture or sham acupuncture
* Current self-report of chronic low back pain (cLBP) which has persisted for the past 3 months AND has resulted in pain on \> 50% of days in the past 6 months
* At least one palpable nodule or taut band in paraspinal, quadratus lumborum, or gluteal muscles
* Reproduction of the patient's dominant pain with palpation of a muscle nodule or taut band
* Predominantly paramedian pain (may be uni-lateral or bi-lateral)
* Willing and able to lay motionless in a supine position at least twice, preferably thrice: 70-minute TB-PET/CT scan
* Willing and able to fast for at least 6 hours before and for the duration of the TB-PET/CT scan
* Willing to avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the TB-PET/CT scan visit
* Willingness to practice effective contraception during the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
* No Primary Care Physician
* History of spine infection (discitis or osteomyelitis) or spine tumor
* History of ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, psoriatic arthritis, or lupus
* Confounding conditions that are known to be responsible for inducing pain
* Implants at or in the region of the sites of interest
* Diagnosis of any vertebral fracture in the last 6 months…
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.
1This trial uses a full-body PET/CT scan to measure changes in metabolism and blood flow in my muscles — can you help me understand what the radiation exposure from that type of scan means for my personal health situation?
2The trial is measuring whether acupuncture changes pain scores and actual tissue-level activity in myofascial regions over 8 weeks — given my specific diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome or chronic low back pain, do you think 8 weeks is a realistic timeframe to expect any meaningful change for someone like me?
3Since this study is listed as Phase NA, meaning it's primarily observational or mechanistic rather than testing a new drug, what does that tell us about what I might actually gain medically by participating versus just contributing to research?
4Before considering this trial, are there standard treatments for myofascial pain syndrome or chronic low back pain — like physical therapy, injections, or medications — that I haven't yet tried and that might be a better first step for me?
5This trial seems to require at least two PET/CT imaging sessions plus acupuncture appointments over 8 weeks — is that kind of time commitment and travel realistic given my current condition, and are there any risks from the acupuncture itself I should know about?
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
1
Change in PEG score from Baseline to 8 weeks
Timeframe: Baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention
2
Change in Standardized Uptake Values in Myofascial Regions of Interest on TB-PET/CT from Baseline to 8 weeks