Chronic Low Back Pain
Research Study Subject Recruitment
About the Study
We are currently enrolling patients with chronic low back pain for a study to determine how well Cymbalta (an FDA approved drug for diabetic nerve pain) works for back pain.
We are investigating how well this medication works on your pain, quality of life, and physical functioning. Additionally, we are interested in seeing where this medication works in the nervous system. We do this by taking MRI scans of your brain while on and off this medication. By comparing the scans between these conditions, we can learn how this medication works. This may lead to the development of new drugs to treat pain.
About Your Participation
- 8 study visits in our offices over approximately 13 weeks
- Physician evaluations provided at no cost
- Study medications provided at no cost
- You will be taking Cymbalta for half of the study period (6 weeks).
- You will be taking a placebo for the other half of the study period (6 weeks).
- Neither you nor your study physician will know which medication period has the active study drug versus the placebo.
- 3 fMRI scans: at the very beginning of the study and after each 6-week medication period. During the scans, you will receive a heat stimulus on your hand and back.
Benefits to Participants
- Be a part of research that may guide development of future pain medications
- Interact extensively with the research team, which includes leaders in the field of pain management
- Potential pain relief from study medication
About fMRI
- Safe and non-invasive
- No exposure to radiation
Eligibility
- Men
- Age 18-60
- Must currently have lower back pain
Compensation
Participants can earn up to $500 for their time
You can guage your eligibility for this study by completing this brief online survey.
To find out more about this study, call 650.724.0522
