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Recruiting NCT05961800

NCT05961800 Offset Mechanisms in Evaluation of Lumbar Medial Branch Blocks

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Clinical Trial Summary
NCT ID NCT05961800
Status Recruiting
Phase
Sponsor University of Pittsburgh
Condition Pain, Chronic
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment 40 participants
Start Date 2023-07-05
Primary Completion 2028-06

Eligibility & Interventions

Sex All sexes
Min Age 18 Years
Max Age N/A
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Interventions
Cutaneous ProbeQuantitative Sensory TestingComputer Tasks

Eligibility Fast-Check

Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.

What to Expect as a Participant

You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.

This trial targets 40 participants in total. It began in 2023-07-05 with a primary completion date of 2028-06.

⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.

Brief Summary

This study examines the relationship between central nervous system (CNS) mechanisms of pain inhibition and the pain relief that occurs following a lumbar medial branch block (MBB).

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Exclusion Criteria: * 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

Contact & Investigator

Central Contact

Maya L Maurer, BS

✉ mam708@pitt.edu

📞 412-665-8052

Principal Investigator

Benedict J Alter, MD, PhD

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

University of Pittsburgh

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the NCT05961800 clinical trial?

This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Pain, Chronic. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.

Is NCT05961800 currently recruiting?

Yes, NCT05961800 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at mam708@pitt.edu for enrollment information.

Where is the NCT05961800 trial being conducted?

This trial is being conducted at Pittsburgh, United States.

Who is sponsoring the NCT05961800 clinical trial?

NCT05961800 is sponsored by University of Pittsburgh. The principal investigator is Benedict J Alter, MD, PhD at University of Pittsburgh. The trial plans to enroll 40 participants.

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ClinicalMetric — Independent clinical trial intelligence platform. Not affiliated with NIH, ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. FDA, or any pharmaceutical company, hospital, or clinical research organization. Trial data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not make any treatment, enrollment, or health decisions based solely on information found here — always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Full Disclaimer  ·  Last Reviewed: July 2026  ·  Data Methodology