Spinal fusion vs. no surgery for chronic low back pain
Part of Bones, joints & muscles, Pain clinical trials.
This trial tests whether a spinal fusion surgery is better than staying with non-surgical treatments for people with long-term, severe low back pain from worn-out discs in the lower spine. It aims to find out which approach offers better pain relief and quality of life.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You have had low back pain for at least 12 months that hasn't improved with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or medications.
- Your back pain is severe (at least 5 out of 10) and significantly limits your daily activities (score of 35 or more on a disability scale).
- You are between 25 and 65 years old and are in good general health (classified as ASA 1 or 2).
- An MRI shows that the discs in your lower spine (L4/L5 or L5/S1) are worn out, and you have no signs of nerve pressure or narrowing of the spinal canal.
- You have not had any previous spine surgery, except for a simple disc removal (discectomy) without fusion at the same level.
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
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