How presentation style affects outcomes of back pain injections

Plain-English translation of NCT07498140 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This study is testing whether the way a doctor presents information about an epidural steroid injection affects how much it helps your radiating leg pain. You'll be randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments: the injection with very positive information about it, the injection with neutral information, or oral medications (gabapentin, nortriptyline, and/or duloxetine) with exercise instructions. Researchers want to understand if how they frame the treatment influences whether it works.

Doctors around the world present the same back pain injection in very different ways—some emphasize its benefits, others are more cautious. This trial exists to find out whether the way a treatment is explained to you actually affects how well it works for you.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years old or older
you have pain radiating into one or both legs that has lasted more than 6 weeks
your leg pain is rated 4 or higher on a 0–10 pain scale (or 3 out of 10 if your back pain is worse)
you have had an MRI scan showing spine problems that match your symptoms
you are considered a candidate for both the injection and oral medications for this condition

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had spine surgery in the past
you have had an epidural steroid injection within the past 2 years
you have leg pain that has lasted longer than 15 years
you have signs of cauda equina syndrome (a serious spinal cord condition requiring emergency care)
you are allergic to the medications being tested or contrast dye used in the injection

What participation looks like

If you enroll, you'll be randomly assigned to one of three groups. Two groups will receive the epidural steroid injection—one after reviewing detailed positive information about it and one after reviewing neutral information. The third group will receive oral medications and exercise instructions instead. You'll be monitored over time to see how well your leg pain improves with whichever treatment you receive.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 27, 2026 · Not medical advice

How presentation style affects outcomes of back pain injections

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(4 sites)