PET Imaging of Chronic Pain Syndromes

Active, not recruiting

• Conditions: Chronic Pain Syndrome
• Interventions: Other: Chiropractic Group; Other: Healthy Control Group

• Registration Number: NCT03233594
• Lead Sponsor: Thomas Jefferson University

Brief Summary

Central nervous system (CNS) changes associated with pain have been difficult to measure until the development of functional neuroimaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET). We have previously observed asymmetry in the thalamus associated with chronic pain that altered during acupuncture therapy. Imaging studies of therapeutic techniques for chronic pain in animals and humans have been quite limited. This study will be the first to utilize FDG PET-MRI imaging of both the brain and body in order to assess CNS changes and peripheral body changes related to chronic pain and its potential management.

Detailed Description

The proposed study is based on our growing understanding of chronic pain and our ability to use functional brain imaging to study in vivo neurophysiologic processes. It is important to understand the brain and body mechanisms of chronic pain in order to better determine therapeutic interventions to reduce pain. Part of the difficulty in treating chronic pain is to determine how better to diagnose what specific issues are affecting the brain and body that result in chronic pain. Participants will undergo a small battery of diagnostic tests that include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET). A secondary goal of this study is to determine if undergoing chiropractic care alters body or brain physiology in patients with chronic pain.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2017-06-07
• Study First Submitted: 2017-06-29
• Study First Submitted QC: 2017-07-25
• Study First Posted: 2017-07-28
• Status Verified: 2024-12
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-12-10
• Last Update Posted: 2024-12-12
• Primary Completion: 2025-04-01
• Study Completion: 2025-04-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 32

Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Chiropractic Group	Chiropractic Group	Participants receiving a chiropractic care technique Neuro Emotive Technique (NET) will complete initial pain evaluations and questionnaires for chronic pain symptoms. After approximately 8 weeks participants will receive follow evaluation for pain. Pre and Post PET-MRI scan will be conducted to evaluate changes.
Healthy Control Group	Healthy Control Group	Participants will receive initial evaluations and questionnaires followed by a PET-MRI scan.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Use combined PET/MRI to define pain activity pattern and inflammation.	Baseline and 8 weeks	To use PET-MRI to define abnormal brain and body activity and evaluate changes in inflammation in painful regions in patients with chronic pain syndromes.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Use combined PET/MRI to demonstrate brain and body activity in responders and non-responders.	Baseline and 8 weeks	Patterns will be compared between those who respond and those who do not respond to chiropractic care.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Thomas Jefferson University, Marcus Institute of Integrative Health Centers; 🇺🇸 Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States