Low back pain affects most adults at some point, and for many it becomes chronic. Treatment ranges from physical therapy and medications to nerve blocks and surgery. Research is working to better match treatments to specific pain sources and to find options beyond opioids for people whose pain persists.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing nerve ablation techniques that may provide longer pain relief, biologics that target inflammation in discs, spinal cord stimulation devices, regenerative approaches using cells or growth factors, and non-opioid pain medications. Researchers are also studying ways to predict which patients will develop chronic pain and which treatments will work for them.
Disc regeneration
Several trials are injecting cells, growth factors, or synthetic materials into damaged discs to see if they can restore cushioning and reduce pain. Early studies suggest some people get meaningful relief.
Nerve ablation refinements
New radiofrequency and cooling techniques aim to disable pain nerves more completely and for longer periods. Some studies are testing whether genetic or imaging markers can identify who will respond best.
Non-opioid medications
Researchers are testing nerve-targeting drugs, anti-inflammatory biologics, and combinations of existing medications to manage chronic back pain without addiction risk. Some trials focus on preventing acute pain from becoming chronic.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on pain duration, whether imaging shows specific disc or nerve problems, prior treatments tried, and pain severity scores.
What types of trials are currently open
- Device trials — Testing spinal cord stimulators, nerve ablation devices, or injection systems to block or reduce pain signals from the back.
- Regenerative trials — Studies of stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, or synthetic materials injected into discs or joints to promote healing.
- Medication trials — Testing new pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxants, often comparing them to existing treatments.
- Behavioral trials — Studies of cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, or exercise programs to reduce pain and improve function.
- Observational studies — Following people with back pain over time to understand what predicts recovery, chronic pain, or response to specific treatments.
Recently added Low Back Pain trials
The Intervention Effect of Exercise on Lumbar Multifidus Muscle Injuries
This is a single-center, prospective interventional study. The main purpose is to use ultrasound radiomics to analyze changes in multifidus muscle ultrasound imaging features before and after rehabilitation therapy in patients with low back pain related to lumbar multifidus injury, and explore whether these imaging features can be used to evaluate treatment response. Eligible participants are aged 18-80 years with chronic non-specific low back pain lasting more than 3 months, NRS/VAS pain score ≥1, and abnormal baseline ultrasound findings of the lumbar multifidus muscle. All participants will receive a 12-week home-based rehabilitation program, including prone multifidus activation exercises and core stability training, 3-5 times per week, 20-30 minutes each session. The primary outcome measures are changes in multifidus muscle area, ultrasound imaging features and pain scores after training. Safety will be monitored throughout the study. Training will be adjusted or paused if participants have increased pain, new radiating leg symptoms, dizziness, chest tightness, palpitations, or other adverse conditions.
Effects of Virtual Reality Exergames Versus Spinal Manipulation in Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the acute effects of virtual reality exergames (VR-EXG) and spinal manipulation on pain, kinesiophobia, mood states, functional disability and lumbar range of motion in individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does a single session of VR-EXG affect pain, kinesiophobia, mood states, functional disability and lumbar range of motion in individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain? * Does a single session of spinal manipulation affect pain, kinesiophobia, mood states, functional disability and lumbar range of motion in individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain? * Is there a difference between VR-EXG and spinal manipulation in their acute effects on pain, kinesiophobia, mood states, functional disability and lumbar range of motion? Researchers will compare participants receiving VR-EXG with those receiving spinal manipulation to determine whether one intervention produces greater acute improvements in pain, kinesiophobia, mood states, functional disability and lumbar range of motion. Participants will be divided into two groups to be compared: the first group will receive virtual reality exergaming (VR-EXG), while the second group will receive spinal manipulation.
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