NCT07133139 Treatment Validation for Myofascial Pain
| NCT ID | NCT07133139 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Ajay Wasan, MD, Msc |
| Condition | Chronic Low-back Pain (cLBP) |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 80 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-10-06 |
| Primary Completion | 2027-08-31 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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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 80 participants in total. It began in 2025-10-06 with a primary completion date of 2027-08-31.
⚠ 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
The goal of this clinical trial is to see if a body test called the NUN biomarker can track changes in chronic low back pain after dry needling and predict who will feel better. This study is for adults with chronic low back pain from muscle pain (Myofacial Pain). The main questions are: * Does the biomarker drop when pain improves? * Can it predict who benefits most? * Do higher starting levels mean better results with real dry needling? Investigators will compare real and fake (sham) dry needling using ultrasound, muscle pressure tests, and pain reports before and after treatment.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 20-70; * Predominantly axial LBP (meeting NIH definition of cLBP with daily pain for at least 3 months) with a MP component as determined by the standardized examination for MP; * Average pain score of \> 3/10, with low back pain being the primary pain site; * CLBP meeting Quebec Task Force Classification System categories I-III (from axial pain only to pain radiating beyond the knee without neurological signs). Constant radicular pain associated with sensory loss is likely a confounder to dry needling treatment success; * NO HISTORY of receiving dry needling, to improve the effectiveness of the blind; * Demonstration of healthcare seeking at some point for LBP. Exclusion Criteria: * Back surgery within the past six months; * Active workers' compensation or litigation claims, since these patients are more likely to have exaggerated pain behavior; * New pain treatments within 2 weeks of enrollment; * Any clinically unstable systemic illness or condition that is judged to interfere with the trial; * Non-ambulatory status; * Not able to complete the questionnaire * Currently pregnant or have intentions to become pregnant during the study.
Contact & Investigator
Kang Kim, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
University of Pittsburgh
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07133139 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 20 Years or older, up to 70 Years, studying Chronic Low-back Pain (cLBP). Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07133139 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07133139 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at wasanad@upmc.edu for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07133139 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Pittsburgh, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07133139 clinical trial?
NCT07133139 is sponsored by Ajay Wasan, MD, Msc. The principal investigator is Kang Kim, PhD at University of Pittsburgh. The trial plans to enroll 80 participants.