Study Title: NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL AND TRANSCRIPTOMIC PREDICTORS OF CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN: TOWARDS PRECISION PAIN MANAGEMENT (NEAT STUDY)
This is a multi-PI study with Dr. Angela Starkweather from University of Connecticut and Dr. Cynthia Renn and Dr. Susan Dorsey at University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Nursing.
Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is one of the most common and costly pain conditions in the United States, and a leading cause of disability. A majority of cLBP cases are not associated with underlying structural abnormalities, however, accumulating evidence suggests the prolonged, intense sensitivity to pain that characterizes cLBP is caused by distinct changes in expression of immune and other related pain sensitivity genes. The NEAT study aims to discover gene expression biomarkers that predict cLBP so that we may uncover new therapeutic targets, identify patients at risk, and develop early, targeted interventions to reduce disability and improve quality of life for patients.
Who is eligible?
• Males and Females 18 to 50 Years Old. • Acute low back pain for >24 hours but less than 6 weeks. • No previous history of low back pain in the past 6 months. • No other pain conditions, history of spine surgery, recent falls or neurological deficits (weakness). • Willing to participate in a 2-year study with 6 in-person clinic visits and 7 between clinic visit online surveys. • Able to speak and read English.
Will I be compensated for participation?
All participants will receive a $50 gift card for the first and sixth clinic visits; a $25 gift card for clinic visits two through five; and a $10.00 e-gift card for each between clinic visit online surveys. Parking for all visits is free.
How can I Volunteer in the Study?
Please click on the link for your initial screening https://redcap.uchc.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=77FPNYPXLR
Contact: Center for Advancement in Managing Pain Phone: (860) 486-6930 E-mail: painresearch@uconn.edu
For more information, contact: Center for Advancement in Managing Pain at (860) 486-6930