A Feasibility Study of Brain MRI in Low Back Pain
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Feasibility Study into Brain Volume and Density Vaiation in Chronic Low Back Pain (Pre-Surgical Lumbar Spinal Fusion Patients)
IRAS ID
161176
Contact name
Helen M Challinor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
The aim of the study is to inform the planning and feasibility of a formal clinical trial which will attempt to improve pre-operative treatment of chronic LBP patients undergoing spinal fusion and develop selection criteria for successful spinal fusion based on physical and psychological outcome measurement tools. Spinal fusion is a controversial treatment for chronic low back pain (CLBP), with unpredictable outcomes and poor selection criteria. There have been significant developments in the understanding of chronic pain, and its expression and effect on brain tissue through Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). MRI may play a significant role in the future in the identification of patients who may or may not derive benefit from spinal surgery for LBP. This study proposes to assess gray matter volume & density (specifically the prefrontal cortex and thalamus) in a cohort of patients awaiting spinal fusion surgery and compare results with healthy age and sex matched volunteersand. Measures of illness perception, pain, function, mood and expectation will also be assessed via questionnaires.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/SW/1059
Date of REC Opinion
4 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion