Chronic low back pain affects millions of people and can stem from many causes — disc problems, arthritis, nerve compression, muscle strain, or no clear structural issue at all. Treatment typically starts with physical therapy, medications, and injections, but many people continue to have pain despite these measures.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing nerve ablation techniques, stem cell injections into damaged discs, neurostimulation devices that interrupt pain signals, and behavioral approaches that address pain perception. Researchers are also studying why some people develop chronic pain after an injury while others recover, with attention to nerve sensitization and inflammation pathways.
Regenerative disc therapies
Studies are injecting stem cells or growth factors directly into damaged discs to see if tissue can be repaired. Early trials suggest some people experience pain relief and improved disc height on imaging.
Neuromodulation devices
Implanted and external devices deliver electrical signals to block pain transmission along nerves or the spinal cord. Newer devices aim to be less invasive and more precise in targeting specific pain pathways.
Pain neuroscience programs
Behavioral trials teach people how the nervous system amplifies pain signals over time. The goal is to reduce fear and sensitization, often combined with graded movement.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on pain duration (usually at least three months), prior treatments tried, imaging findings, and whether pain radiates into the legs.
What types of trials are currently open
- Device trials — Testing neurostimulation implants or wearable devices that deliver electrical signals to interrupt pain.
- Injection trials — Studies of injections into discs, facet joints, or the epidural space, including stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, or nerve-blocking agents.
- Behavioral trials — Testing cognitive behavioral therapy, pain neuroscience education, or mindfulness-based programs to change how the brain processes pain.
- Medication trials — Testing new pain medications, often targeting specific nerve pathways or inflammation, as alternatives to opioids.
- Physical therapy trials — Comparing different exercise programs, manual therapy techniques, or movement retraining approaches.
Recently added Chronic Low Back Pain trials
Potential of Virtual Reality in Primary Chronic Low Back Pain
This is a single-case experimental design study enrolling individuals with chronic low back pain who will be receiving pain science education and virtual reality over 3 weeks.
McGill Versus Sahrmann's Exercises for Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effects of McGill stabilization exercises and Sahrmann's movement-based exercise protocol in adults with chronic non-specific low back pain. The study aims to determine which exercise program is more effective in reducing pain, improving lumbar range of motion, and decreasing functional disability. The main questions it aims to answer are: Do McGill stabilization exercises reduce pain, improve lumbar range of motion, and decrease disability in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain? Are McGill stabilization exercises more effective than Sahrmann's movement-based exercise protocol in improving pain, lumbar range of motion, and functional disability? Researchers will compare the McGill stabilization exercise group with the Sahrmann exercise group to determine which intervention provides greater improvements in clinical outcomes. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to either the McGill stabilization exercise group or the Sahrmann exercise group. Receive baseline physiotherapy, including hot pack application, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), lumbar isometric exercises, pelvic tilts, knee-to-chest exercises, and manual therapy. Attend supervised treatment sessions 2-3 times per week for 6 weeks. Complete outcome assessments before and after treatment using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for disability, and a bubble inclinometer to measure lumbar range of motion. This study will provide evidence on the comparative effectiveness of two commonly used physiotherapy exercise protocols and help identify the most effective rehabilitation approach for managing chronic non-specific low back pain.
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