Brain's pain 'Off Switch' may predict who gets relief from back injections

NCT ID NCT05961800

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 28, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study looks at how the brain naturally reduces pain signals and whether that ability affects how well a lumbar medial branch block (a common injection for back pain) works. Researchers will test 40 adults with chronic low back pain using heat, pressure, and other sensations before and after the injection. The goal is to understand why some people get more relief than others.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to: If successful, this could help doctors predict which patients will benefit most from nerve block injections for back pain.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early observational study with only 40 participants. It does not test a new treatment, so results may not change practice directly.

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.

agnosia Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome pain agnosia Pain, Procedural

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANALGESIA FACET JOINT PAIN PAIN, CHRONIC PAIN, PROCEDURAL

Contacts and locations

Locations

UPMC St. Margaret
RECRUITING

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15215, United States

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