New scanner aims to see pain in the Body's tissues

NCT ID NCT05876858

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of California, Davis Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study uses a special total-body PET/CT scanner to take detailed images of muscles and tissues in people with chronic low back pain caused by myofascial pain. The goal is to find new ways to measure pain-related changes in the body, such as blood flow and tissue health. Fifty-three adults with persistent low back pain will receive two types of radioactive tracers during their scans. The results may help doctors better understand and diagnose this common pain condition.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: 18F-FDG and 11C-butanol (radioactive tracers used in PET/CT scans)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to better imaging tools to diagnose and study myofascial pain, helping researchers develop more targeted treatments.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small study (53 people) focused on measuring pain signals, not testing a treatment. The imaging methods may not prove useful in routine care.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

myofascial pain syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MYOFASCIAL PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of California Davis Health

Sacramento, California, 95826, United States

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