PRP Injections for Low Back Pain
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new treatment called Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections to determine if it can alleviate low back pain and improve function without harming the joints. The study focuses on military personnel with chronic low back pain, aiming to provide evidence on whether this minimally invasive option is more effective than a placebo. It suits those who have experienced significant low back pain for over three months and endure substantial daily discomfort. Participants should also have experienced a notable reduction in pain after a specific diagnostic procedure. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could lead to new treatment options for chronic low back pain.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are on opioid medication greater than or equal to 50 MME, you cannot participate in the trial.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are generally safe for treating low back pain. Studies have found PRP to be an effective and well-tolerated alternative to traditional treatments. For instance, one study found that using PRP in the lower back did not cause significant negative side effects. Another review noted that PRP treatment can be a safe option with fewer risks than some other therapies, such as medications or more invasive procedures.
In short, while side effects can occur with any treatment, research indicates that PRP injections are considered safe for many people.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike standard treatments for low back pain, such as physical therapy, pain medications, or steroid injections, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are derived from a patient's own blood. Researchers are excited about PRP because it uses the body's natural healing processes, potentially offering a regenerative approach rather than just symptom relief. PRP is injected directly into the lumbar facet joint, targeting the source of pain and inflammation. This method may provide longer-lasting results compared to conventional therapies by promoting tissue repair and reducing the reliance on medications.
What evidence suggests that PRP injections might be an effective treatment for low back pain?
Research has shown that Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections can reduce pain and improve healing in lower back joint problems. PRP is rich in growth factors that repair tissues and reduce inflammation. Some studies have found PRP to be as effective as corticosteroids for short-term pain relief. Other research indicates that PRP treatments can improve low back pain and related disability for up to five to nine years. In this trial, participants will receive either a PRP injection or a placebo injection to the lumbar facet joint. In the short term, PRP injections are considered safe and effective, often reducing pain within a few weeks and lasting for several months. Overall, PRP offers a promising alternative for treating low back pain without worsening joint issues.35678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Min Ho Chang, MD
Principal Investigator
Womack Army Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for military personnel aged 18-75 with chronic low back pain lasting over 3 months, who have not had recent spinal interventions or lumbar fusion, and are not on high opioid doses. Participants must speak English, be DEERS eligible, and able to consent. They should have a positive response to a diagnostic block injection but can't join if they're pregnant, moving soon, or have certain medical conditions.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either PRP or placebo injection into the lumbar facet joint
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Optional PRP Extension for Control Group
Control group participants may opt to receive PRP injection at 3 months and continue follow-up
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Platelet Rich Plasma
Platelet Rich Plasma is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Facet-mediated lumbar low back pain
- Degenerative joint disease
- Chronic pain
- Orthopedic conditions
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Pain management
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Womack Army Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
The Geneva Foundation
Collaborator
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Collaborator