This study examines the relationship between central nervous system (CNS) mechanisms of pain inhibition and the pain relief that occurs following a commonly-performed nerve block used to diagnose and treat chronic low back pain. Patients scheduled for lumbar medial branch blocks as part of routine clinical care will arrive to clinic prior to the block for quantitative sensory testing procedures that measure CNS pain modulation. Patients will then undergo treatment as usual with their block, subsequently reporting low back pain intensity in a pain diary.
Age
18–any
Sex
ALL
Healthy volunteers
Not accepted
You may be eligible if
Scheduled for lumbar MBB in UPMC Pain Management clinics
Age \> 18 years old
Predominantly axial chronic low back pain at least 3 months on a daily basis
Must meet the minimum criteria for cognitive function using the PROMIS 2-item cognitive screener (\>3)
Low back pain intensity of \> 3/10
Willing and able to receive study-related phone calls
You may not be if
History of spine surgery at the level of the lumbar MBB
Active worker's compensation or litigation claims
New pain and/or psychiatric treatments within 2 weeks of enrollment
Not fluent in English and/or not able to complete the questionnaires
Any clinically unstable systemic illness that is judged to interfere with the study
Clareo Health | Offset Mechanisms in Evaluation of Lumbar Medial Branch Blocks
