Brain Mechanisms Research Study
Researchers at the University of Rochester are conducting a study in healthy older adults to better understand the brain mechanisms of chronic pain.
Fast Facts
Generally Healthy and Pain Free
50+
Years Old
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in
Rochester, NY
Study Background
Brain Mechanisms of Chronic Low-Back Pain: Specificity and Effects of Aging and Sex
Diagnosing chronic pain usually relies on a patient’s reports of their own pain. The problem is that this method is subjective, variable, and doesn’t tell us the underlying causes of the pain.
The good news is that we now know different types of pain have different “signatures” in the brain that can be seen with MRI. We have found a neural signature for chronic lower back pain, and in this research study, we want to find out whether that signature is unique to chronic lower back pain or whether it could signal other pain conditions as well. Additionally, we need to know how the signature is affected by aging and sex.
If you are 50+ years old and generally pain-free, you could be a valuable part of this research study. Eventually, we hope the findings of this study might be useful for better treating chronic pain and improving people’s quality of life.
Study Background
Brain Mechanisms of Chronic Low-Back Pain: Specificity and Effects of Aging and Sex
Diagnosing chronic pain usually relies on a patient’s reports of their own pain. The problem is that this method is subjective, variable, and doesn’t tell us the underlying causes of the pain.
The good news is that we now know different types of pain have different “signatures” in the brain that can be seen with MRI. We have found a neural signature for chronic lower back pain, and in this research study, we want to find out whether that signature is unique to chronic lower back pain or whether it could signal other pain conditions as well. Additionally, we need to know how the signature is affected by aging and sex.
If you are 50+ years old and generally pain-free, you could be a valuable part of this research study. Eventually, we hope the findings of this study might be useful for better treating chronic pain and improving people’s quality of life.
Additional Information
The purpose of this study is to understand the central brain pathology of chronic low-back pain (CLBP). We also want to find out how the neural signature (a brain marker visible with MRI) of CLBP is affected by a patient’s age and sex.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 50+ years old
- Generally healthy and pain-free
- Speak English
Exclusion Criteria:
- Significant physical medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, cancer)
- Significant psychiatric conditions (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)
- Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute vertebral fractures, fibromyalgia, history of tumor(s) in the back, or temporo-mandibular joint pain
- History of traumatic brain injury
The study entails 2 visits, where each visit will last 2.5 hours.
The first visit will include completing computer-based questionnaires about your mood and sleep, playing computer games that will assess your cognitive functions, and rating the intensity and pleasantness of various tastes and sensations.
The second visit will include a 1 hour and half brain MRI scan, and completing computer surveys before and after the scan.
As a participant, you may receive up to $200 for completing the entire study.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.