Which spine pain care model saves money and improves outcomes?

NCT ID NCT03083886

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This completed study compared three approaches to treating recent back or neck pain: usual care from a primary care provider, usual care plus a coordinated decision-making model (ICE), and usual care plus individualized postural therapy (IPT). Over 3,000 adults with spine pain for less than three months took part. The goal was to see which model leads to lower healthcare costs and better pain and function after one year.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Care model (ICE decision-making or Individualized Postural Therapy) plus usual primary care

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show which care model is most cost-effective and helpful for acute spine pain, guiding doctors toward better, cheaper care.

What could go wrong

This is a completed pragmatic trial comparing care models, not a new drug or treatment. Results may not apply to all patients or settings.

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for NECK PAIN are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Back Pain Neck Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Augusto Focil, MD

    Oxnard, California, 93030, United States

  • Bernadette U. Iguh, MD

    Houston, Texas, 77051, United States

  • Carlos R. Herrera, MD

    Houston, Texas, 77013, United States

  • HonorHealth Medical Group

    Phoenix, Arizona, 85255, United States

  • Luis Zepeda, MD

    Houston, Texas, 77017, United States

  • Marwan A. Edris, MD

    Laguna Hills, California, 92653, United States

  • Teresa S. Sligh, MD

    North Hollywood, California, 91606, United States

  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center

    Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States