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

NCT ID NCT06310226

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of California, Los Angeles

    RECRUITING

    Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States

    Contact