Offset Mechanisms in Evaluation of Lumbar Medial Branch Blocks

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH · Jul 23, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how certain pain relief techniques, specifically lumbar medial branch blocks (MBB), affect pain management for people with chronic lower back pain. The trial aims to understand how the body’s central nervous system (the part of the body that controls pain signals) helps reduce pain after receiving this treatment.

To be eligible for the study, participants should be at least 18 years old and scheduled for an MBB at UPMC Pain Management clinics. They should be experiencing daily lower back pain for at least three months, with a pain level of 3 or higher on a scale of 0 to 10. Participants will need to be able to communicate in English and complete some questionnaires. While in the trial, participants can expect to receive regular phone calls related to the study. The trial is currently recruiting participants, and it's important for anyone interested to discuss their eligibility with their healthcare provider.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Scheduled for lumbar MBB in UPMC Pain Management clinics
• • Age \> 18 years old
• • Predominantly axial chronic low back pain at least 3 months on a daily basis
• • Must meet the minimum criteria for cognitive function using the PROMIS 2-item cognitive screener (\>3)
• • Low back pain intensity of \> 3/10
• • Willing and able to receive study-related phone calls
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of spine surgery at the level of the lumbar MBB
• • Active worker's compensation or litigation claims
• • New pain and/or psychiatric treatments within 2 weeks of enrollment
• • Not fluent in English and/or not able to complete the questionnaires
• • Any clinically unstable systemic illness that is judged to interfere with the study