Brain scans may reveal who benefits from spinal cord stimulators for back pain

NCT ID NCT06310226

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at how spinal cord stimulators change brain activity in people with chronic low back pain. Researchers will use fMRI scans to compare brain connectivity when the device is on versus off. The goal is to find patterns that predict who will respond well to this treatment, potentially reducing the need for painkillers.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Epidural electrical spinal cord stimulator (device)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help doctors predict which patients with chronic low back pain will benefit from spinal cord stimulation, reducing reliance on painkillers.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 20 participants, focused on brain imaging rather than direct pain relief. Results may not apply to all patients.

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

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHRONIC LOW-BACK PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of California, Los Angeles
RECRUITING

Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States

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