Impact of Muscle Degeneration in Chronic Low Back Pain

Launched by HOSPITAL ISRAELITA ALBERT EINSTEIN · Feb 14, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is examining how muscle degeneration might affect chronic low back pain in patients undergoing surgery for conditions like lumbar spinal stenosis and herniated discs. While surgery can help relieve nerve compression and improve symptoms, many patients still experience ongoing back pain afterward. The researchers believe that if certain muscles in the back are weak or smaller (a condition known as atrophy), it could predict whether a patient will continue to have chronic pain after surgery. Understanding this relationship can help doctors develop better rehabilitation plans and set clearer expectations for recovery.

To participate in this study, you need to be an adult over 18 years old who has been experiencing symptoms related to nerve compression in the lower back for at least six weeks without improvement from other treatments. You should be planning to undergo surgery to relieve this compression. However, individuals with certain conditions, like severe infections or specific joint issues, will not be eligible. If you join the trial, you can expect to be involved in evaluations before and after your surgery to help researchers learn more about how muscle condition affects recovery and pain management.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. adults 18 years of age and older;
• • 2. with symptoms of lumbosacral neural compression (radiculopathy or neurogenic lameness);
• • 3. failed conservative treatment for at least 6 weeks;
• • 4. undergoing surgery for neural decompression (discectomy and / or foraminotomy and / or hemilaminectomy);
• • 5. with complete pre and postoperative medical records in all evaluations.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. need for lumbar arthrodesis;
• • 2. deep infection requiring surgical cleaning;
• • 3. patients submitted to joint facet rhizotomy;
• • 4. active rheumatologic disease, including seronegative arthropathies.