ER physical therapy could cut opioid use for back pain

NCT ID NCT07224945

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Northwestern University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study places a physical therapist directly in the emergency department to treat low back pain right away, instead of sending patients to an outside clinic. Researchers want to see if this approach is practical and can be done at multiple hospitals. The trial will enroll 140 adults with recent low back pain at two hospitals.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: embedded emergency department physical therapy
What this could lead to: If this model works, it could provide faster, more effective care for low back pain and reduce reliance on opioids.
What could go wrong: This is a small feasibility study, not designed to prove effectiveness. The intervention may not improve outcomes or be practical in other hospitals.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Emergencies Low Back Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

LOW BACK PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Northwestern Memorial Hospital
RECRUITING

Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
University of Utah
RECRUITING

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112, United States

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