Can a simple quiz improve back pain care for troops?

NCT ID NCT03127826

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether using a screening questionnaire called the STarT Back Tool helps doctors tailor low back pain treatment for military members. 290 adults aged 18-50 with low back pain were randomly assigned to either risk-stratified care or usual care. The goal was to see if matching treatment to a patient's risk level leads to better disability and pain outcomes.

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 show that using a simple screening questionnaire helps match low back pain patients to the right level of care, improving outcomes and reducing unnecessary treatments.

What could go wrong

This is a completed trial with 290 participants, so results are limited in size and may not apply to all settings. The intervention is a care process, not a drug, so benefits may be modest.

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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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

intervertebral disk degenerative disorder Low Back Pain lumbar disk degenerative disorder radiculopathy

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Brooke Army Medical Center

    San Antonio, Texas, 78219, United States