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Self-Administered Acupressure for Chronic Back Pain

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Sarah L. Krein, PhD RN

Research Sponsored by VA Office of Research and Development

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Non-specific low back pain confirmed through electronic medical records (i.e., ICD-10 codes: M54.5, M54.40, 41, 42, M54.89)

Reported pain severity of 4/10 that has persisted for at least 3 months and present on most days

Must not have

Received acupuncture or acupressure in past 3 months

Had back surgery in the past 2 years

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up baseline to 6 weeks (end of active treatment) and 10 weeks (sustainability)

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial will test the effectiveness of self-administered acupressure to treat chronic low back pain in Veterans.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for Veterans with chronic low back pain who are enrolled at VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. They must have had a pain severity of at least 4/10 for over three months and be medically stable, without hospital stays or changes in pain meds recently. Pregnant individuals, those with recent back surgery or acupressure treatments, or cognitive impairments that affect consent ability cannot participate.

What is being tested?

The study tests if self-administered acupressure can help manage chronic low back pain in Veterans. Participants will learn about acupressure and use an app to guide their daily sessions over six weeks. The effectiveness will be measured through surveys assessing pain's impact on function, fatigue, and sleep quality.

What are the potential side effects?

Acupressure is generally considered safe but may cause temporary soreness or bruising at the pressure points. Some individuals might experience relaxation-related side effects such as light-headedness.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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My medical records confirm I have non-specific low back pain.

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I have had pain at a level of 4 out of 10 for at least 3 months.

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I haven't been hospitalized for 3 or more days in the last month.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

Select...

I have had acupuncture or acupressure in the last 3 months.

Select...

I had back surgery within the last 2 years.

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I can understand and follow the study's requirements.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ baseline to 6 weeks (end of active treatment) and 10 weeks (sustainability)

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~baseline to 6 weeks (end of active treatment) and 10 weeks (sustainability)

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline to 6 weeks (end of active treatment) and 10 weeks (sustainability) for reporting.