Tackling Chronic Lower Back Pain: Clinical Trials and Research

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, chronic back problems are common conditions in Australia, affecting 16% of the total population. Due to its high impact on the community in terms of economic and disease burden, experts are increasing research in the space to identify more potential treatment and pain management strategies.

Currently, the most common method for primary research on chronic back pain is clinical trials. In New South Wales, Australia, a number of universities are conducting studies on lower back pain by inviting people living with chronic lower pain to participate in their trial. Participation in the clinical trial usually spans between three to 12 months and requires volunteers to complete questionnaires as well as diagnostic examinations.

Keep reading to learn more about clinical trials on chronic back pain in Australia, how you can particulate in them yourself and their growing impact on the pain management health space.

What are Clinical Trials on Chronic Lower Back Pain?

Clinical trials are a method of primary research which help medical professionals gain a better understanding of their topic of research. In the case of clinical trials on chronic lower back pain, long term studies are being conducted to determine the cause of pain and potential recovery methods.

According to Deakin University, Australia has very little understanding about how different kinds of treatment work for pain in the lower back. As a result, clinical trials aim to identify patterns of potential treatments for chronic pain in participants, the potential success of certain pain management strategies, as well as develop a greater general understanding of chronic pain itself.

How are Clinical Trials Impacting the Chronic Lower Back Pain Health Space?

Clinical trials are a research-centred approach to developing a better professional understanding of chronic lower back pain conditions. Like all research in the health space, the findings of successfully conducted clinical trials help health professionals develop more effective treatment and management strategies for chronic lower back pain.

For example, clinical trials on alternative pain management strategies such as manual therapy and chiropractic may help to broaden the scope of treatments for people living with chronic back pain. Outcomes from clinical trials may also aid in progressing research on other related topics, such as general chronic pain causes and pain management.

How Can You Participate in a Clinical Study?

The participation requirements for each clinical trial varies according to the goals of the study and its research topic. Volunteers will need to directly contact the clinical trial research team (most commonly through their website) for details regarding their eligibility requirements and whether or not they are able to meet them. 

While conditions may be different for each clinical trial, there are a few certain commonalities in participation requirements for chronic back pain-related clinical trials, including:

• Being 18 years and older
• Being an Australian citizen or equivalent
• Being able to give informed consent
• Being able to communicate during the study (e.g through face to face consultations, text messaging, etc.)
• Being able to read and understand the English language (although translators may be provided depending on the clinical trial)
• Having experienced at least one episode of lower back pain in recent times (e.g. the last six months).

Most clinical studies will also require participants to complete an online pre-screening survey to determine their eligibility.

As chronic lower back pain continues to affect a major portion of the Australian population, clinical trials are playing an important role in developing a better professional understanding of chronic lower back pain management and treatment options.