Chronic Low-back Pain study: Dry Needling vs NUN Biomarker
Official title Treatment Validation for Myofascial Pain
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07133139
What this study is testing
- What it's testing
- The study wants to find out if a blood marker called NUN can show when pain improves after dry needling and if it can predict who will benefit most.
- Who it's for
- Adults who have chronic low‑back pain caused by muscle (myofascial) pain.
- What's involved
- Participants will receive either real or fake dry needling while doctors use ultrasound, muscle pressure tests, and pain questionnaires before and after treatment.
- Time commitment
- The study lasts a few weeks and includes several visits for tests and pain assessments.
This is a blinded study.
A plain-language read of the study's public ClinicalTrials.gov listing. The study team confirms the details.
Who can take part
Ages 20 to 70
You may be able to join if
- Ages 20-70;
- Predominantly axial LBP (meeting NIH definition of cLBP with daily pain for at least 3 months) with a MP component as determined by the standardized...
- Average pain score of \> 3/10, with low back pain being the primary pain site;
- CLBP meeting Quebec Task Force Classification System categories I-III (from axial pain only to pain radiating beyond the knee without neurological...
- NO HISTORY of receiving dry needling, to improve the how well it works of the blind;
You likely can't join if
- Back surgery within the past six months;
- Active workers' compensation or litigation claims, since these patients are more likely to have exaggerated pain behavior;
- New pain treatments within 2 weeks of enrollment;
- Any clinically unstable systemic illness or condition that is judged to interfere with the trial;
- Non-ambulatory status;
- Not able to complete the questionnaire
See the full eligibility criteria
- Ages 20-70;
- Predominantly axial LBP (meeting NIH definition of cLBP with daily pain for at least 3 months) with a MP component as determined by the standardized examination for MP;
- Average pain score of \> 3/10, with low back pain being the primary pain site;
- CLBP meeting Quebec Task Force Classification System categories I-III (from axial pain only to pain radiating beyond the knee without neurological signs).
- NO HISTORY of receiving dry needling, to improve the how well it works of the blind;
- Demonstration of healthcare seeking at some point for LBP.
- Back surgery within the past six months;
- Active workers' compensation or litigation claims, since these patients are more likely to have exaggerated pain behavior;
- New pain treatments within 2 weeks of enrollment;
- Any clinically unstable systemic illness or condition that is judged to interfere with the trial;
- Non-ambulatory status;
- Not able to complete the questionnaire
- Currently pregnant or have intentions to become pregnant during the study.
The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where it is enrolling
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Compensation & support
This study's listing mentions compensation or reimbursement.
No amount is published here because ClinicalTrials.gov has no reliable field for payment or travel support. Ask the study team what's actually covered (payment for your time, travel, parking, or other study costs), and never join a trial for the compensation alone.
Questions & answers
Do participants get paid in this trial?
This study's listing includes signals that participants may be compensated or receive a stipend. Amounts vary and are set by the study team, so confirm the details with them.
Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?
Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part, but confirm specifics with the study team.
How long does this study last?
The listing doesn't state an exact length. The study team walks you through the schedule and number of visits before you decide to enroll.
Who can join this trial?
This study is enrolling all sexes, 20 years to 70 years. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where is this trial taking place?
This study is enrolling now at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Enter your location above to see the nearest enrolling site and check your eligibility.
Explore other conditions
BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool that is independent of the study sponsor. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov. The study team decides eligibility, and your own doctor gives medical advice.