NCT05972395

Conditioned Pain Modulation in Localized vs Widespread Chronic Low Back Pain

Determining if Conditioned Pain Modulation Differs Between Individuals With Localized Versus Widespread Mechanical Pain Hypersensitivity in Chronic Low Back Pain

• Status: Unknown
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 75 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Ahram Canadian University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aims to compare function of the body's endogenous pain modulation system between people with localized low back pain versus widespread body pain. Endogenous pain modulation refers to the body's natural ability to inhibit one pain stimulus by applying a second pain stimulus. This study will assess pain inhibition by measuring pressure pain thresholds at the low back before and during cold water hand immersion. The researchers hypothesize that those with widespread body pain will have worse functioning of pain inhibition compared to those with localized low back pain only. The results may provide insights into personalized chronic pain management approaches.

Detailed description

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is highly prevalent worldwide. Impairments in conditioned pain modulation (CPM) have been documented in CLBP populations. CPM refers to endogenous pain inhibition, where one noxious stimulus inhibits pain from a second noxious stimulus. This relies on descending inhibitory pathways. However, it is unknown whether CPM alterations differ between individuals with localized versus widespread mechanical pain hypersensitivity. The aim of this cross-sectional quantitative sensory testing study is to compare CPM function between localized and widespread CLBP subgroups. A sample of 75 adults with CLBP of at least 3 months duration will be recruited from a chronic pain clinic. Based on pressure pain threshold mapping at the low back and distal sites, participants will be classified as having localized or widespread mechanical hyperalgesia.

Conditions

• Chronic Low-back Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Localized vs Widespread Mechanical Pain Hypersensitivity	Based on pressure pain threshold mapping, participants will be classified as having either localized mechanical pain hyperalgesia (hyperalgesia limited to the lumbosacral region) or widespread mechanical pain hyperalgesia (hyperalgesia extending beyond the lumbosacral region).

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-07-28
• Primary completion: 2024-02-25
• Completion: 2024-03-01
• First posted: 2023-08-02
• Last updated: 2023-08-02

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt