Clinical and MRI Findings in Lumbar Disc Disease (NCT07516613) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Clinical and MRI Findings in Lumbar Disc Disease
96 participantsStarted 2026-04
Plain-language summary
Low back pain related to lumbar disc disease is a very common condition. Doctors frequently use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to look at the spine and diagnose these problems. However, it is not always clear how well the severity of the damage seen on an MRI matches the actual symptoms a patient is experiencing. Sometimes, patients with severe MRI findings have mild symptoms, and vice versa.
The purpose of this observational study is to understand the relationship between a patient's clinical symptoms and their MRI results. Researchers want to see if the severity of the spinal damage shown on an MRI can accurately predict how much pain or disability a patient has.
Participants in this study are adults (ages 18-70) who are already experiencing symptoms of lumbar disc disease and have recently had an MRI. During the study, participants will:
* Complete a questionnaire about the intensity of their back and leg pain.
* Fill out a survey about how their back pain affects their daily activities.
* Undergo a standard physical and neurological examination by a doctor to check their reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation.
Researchers will then compare these physical examination and questionnaire results with the detailed findings from the patient's MRI scans. The goal of this research is to improve diagnostic accuracy and help doctors make better, more personalized treatment decisions for future patients with lower back pain.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 70 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:
* Adult patients aged 18-70 years presenting with clinical symptoms suggestive of lumbar disc disease (low back pain with or without radiculopathy).
* Patients with MRI-confirmed lumbar disc pathology (disc bulge, protrusion, extrusion, or sequestration) at one or more levels.
* Patients who have had lumbar MRI performed within 3 months prior to enrollment.
* Patients able to communicate clearly and complete assessment questionnaires.
* Patients providing written informed consent to participate in the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients with previous lumbar spine surgery.
* Patients with spinal fractures, tumors, infections, or inflammatory spondyloarthropathies (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis).
* Patients with severe psychiatric disorders that interfere with assessment.
* Patients with contraindications to MRI (e.g., pacemakers, metallic implants).
* Patients with cauda equina syndrome requiring emergency surgical intervention.
* Patients with peripheral neuropathy from systemic causes (e.g., diabetes mellitus with confirmed neuropathy, renal failure).
* Pregnant women.
* Patients who refuse to participate or provide informed consent.
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
1
Correlation Between MRI Disc Herniation Grade and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Score for Back Pain
Timeframe: Day 0 (At the time of clinical assessment and MRI evaluation)