University of Pittsburgh
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).
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.
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 Eng…
A computer-controlled probe delivers temperatures to the skin to measure pain, offset analgesia and onset hyperalgesia.
Standard methods involving pinprick, pressure, heat, and cold applied to the skin are used to measure sensation and pain
Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) and computer tasks are used to measure changes in pain intensity.
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