CHRONIC LOW-BACK PAIN (CLBP)

This study looks at whether adding Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) — a hands-on technique using stretching and gentle pressure — to usual VA care can improve outcomes for veterans and service members with chronic low back pain. About 48 participants will be randomly assign…

This study tests a once-weekly injection called retatrutide to see if it can reduce chronic low back pain and help with weight loss in people who have obesity or overweight. About 586 participants will receive either the drug or a placebo for up to 80 weeks. The goal is to find a…

This pilot study tests whether osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) — a hands-on therapy using gentle pressure and stretching — can improve chronic low back pain by also treating the legs and feet. Twenty adults with chronic low back pain will receive four OMT sessions over 5…

This study tests a short behavioral treatment delivered over Zoom to help adults with fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic pelvic pain, or chronic low back pain. The goal is to reduce pain, disability, and related issues like anxiety or depression. Participants will learn strategies to m…

This study tests a treatment called JHG002 for people with chronic low back pain lasting 6 months or more. About 96 adults aged 19 to 69 will receive the therapy, and researchers will measure how much their pain changes over 6 weeks. The goal is to see if JHG002 safely reduces pa…

The ASTRAL study is testing whether radiofrequency ablation, a procedure that uses heat to quiet certain nerves, can reduce pain and improve function in people with chronic low back pain. Researchers will compare two types of ablation to a fake (sham) procedure in 300 adults. The…

This study tests whether adding a non-invasive brain stimulation technique (rTMS) to a special type of physiotherapy can better reduce chronic low back pain and disability in military veterans. About 96 veterans with long-lasting back pain and high emotional distress will receive…

This study tests a hands-on therapy called PEMM (pelvic external myofascial mobilization) combined with strengthening exercises for women who have both chronic low back pain and urinary incontinence. About 130 women aged 18–65 with these conditions will be randomly assigned to re…

This study tests whether an online insomnia treatment, followed by either a meditation program or pain education, can reduce pain in adults with chronic low back pain and insomnia. About 300 participants will first complete a 9-week internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for…

This study tests whether combining passive and active hamstring stretching improves flexibility more than passive stretching alone in people with chronic low back pain. Ninety adults with tight hamstrings will be randomly assigned to one of the two stretching groups. Flexibility,…

This study tests a new way to stimulate muscles through the spinal cord (called MuscleSCS) to help people with chronic low back pain. It includes 30 adults who already have a spinal cord stimulator and get good pain relief from it. The goal is to see if MuscleSCS can safely impro…

This study tests whether combining acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with exercise can reduce pain and improve daily life for older adults with chronic low-back pain. About 100 people aged 60 and older will take part. The goal is to see if this mind-body approach works bett…

This study compares lumbar stabilization exercises versus back endurance exercises in 60 female university students with chronic low back pain. The goal is to see which exercise better improves spine range of motion and stability. Participants will be assigned to one of the two e…

This study tests whether holding a wall squat for up to three minutes can immediately reduce pain sensitivity in adults with chronic low back pain. Researchers will measure changes in pressure pain threshold and pain intensity before and after the exercise. 90 participants with n…

This study will test whether acupuncture can improve pain and function in people with chronic low back pain caused by myofascial pain syndrome. Sixty-four adults will receive either real acupuncture or sham (fake) acupuncture for eight weeks. Researchers will use full-body PET/CT…

This study looks at how inhaled cannabis affects the brain in people with chronic low back pain. Researchers will use MRI scans to measure changes in brain blood flow and oxygen levels, and ask participants to rate their pain. The goal is to understand the brain mechanisms behind…

This study looks at how a 12-week online exercise program changes the body and brain in people with chronic low back pain. Researchers will compare exercise participants to a waitlist group and also study healthy volunteers. Participants will fill out surveys, give blood samples,…

This study tests whether a special ultrasound test (called the NUN biomarker) can track changes in chronic low back pain after dry needling and predict who will feel better. Researchers will compare real dry needling to a sham (fake) procedure in 80 adults with muscle-related bac…

This study looks at how chronic sleep problems and pain sensitivity are connected in people with long-term low back pain and insomnia. Researchers will use brain imaging, pain tests, and blood/stool samples in 80 adults to understand the underlying brain mechanisms. The goal is t…