Assessing Central Aspects of Pain

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM · Jul 18, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how to better understand and measure chronic pain that comes from conditions like osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic low back pain. Researchers are focusing on the role of the central nervous system (the brain and nerves) in causing this pain, as it often doesn't relate directly to any visible damage in the muscles or joints. The study aims to see if a new questionnaire, called the Central Aspects of Pain (CAP), combined with simpler tests of pain sensitivity, can help doctors diagnose and treat chronic pain more effectively.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with one of the listed conditions for more than three months, experiencing daily pain rated at least a 3 on a scale of 0 to 10. Participants will complete the CAP questionnaire and some pain sensitivity tests, which will help researchers understand how pain is processed in the body and how it affects people's daily lives. This study is currently recruiting participants, and those who join will contribute to important advancements in pain management.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults aged 18 years or over.
• • One for more of the following self-reported diagnoses: fibromyalgia, inflammatory MSK condition (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis), low back pain, osteoarthritis.
• • MSK diagnosis and pain onset more than 3 months prior to baseline
• • Self-reported pain levels ≥ 3 on a 0 to 10 numerical rating scale where 0 = 'no pain' and 10 = 'worst pain imaginable' on most days in the 3 months before baseline.
• • Ability to give informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Terminal/uncontrolled medical or mental health condition that would prevent participants from completing assessments or pose a significant risk to participants or staff.
• • Insufficient understanding of spoken or written English to comply with the requirements of the study protocol.
• • Inability to adhere to the study protocol.