A Study Of Magnetic Resonance Elastography Of Chronic Low Back Pain Before And After Therapy

Overview

About this study

The purpose of this study is to quantify Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE)-derived mechanical property biomarkers of the lumbar paraspinal musculature and associated myofascial tissue regions before and after the intervention.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Adult males or females (age ≥ 18 years)

  • Report chronic low back pain (≥3 months) (measured by patient history and clinical evaluation)

  • Pain intensity reported at baseline must be ≥4 on the pain VAS scale

  • Presence of myofascial pain features in the lumbar region (e.g., localized tenderness and/or trigger points identified by a qualified clinician/therapist)

  • Able to lie in supine and prone positions for study procedures

  • Be able to participate fully in all aspects of the study

  • have understood and signed study informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Patients with the inability to stay in a prone and supine position for the required procedure durations (e.g., ≥30 minutes at a time)

  • Any contraindication to an MRI exam, or severe claustrophobia that would prevent safe completion of the scan

  • Previous lumbar spine surgery or history of severe lumbar injury (e.g., fracture) that, in the investigation team’s judgment, would interfere with participation or safety

  • Patients with known bleeding disorders or current therapeutic anticoagulation that would increase risk of bruising/bleeding with massage

  • Patients with skin conditions affecting the treatment area (e.g., rash, open wound, active dermatitis) or known allergy to any materials used during treatment (e.g., gels/cleaners), if applicable

  • Receipt of a new pain treatment within 3 days of the study visit (e.g., injection, ablation, spinal manipulation, massage/manual therapy) that could confound pre/post measures

  • Use of short-acting opioid analgesics or sedating medications within 24 hours of the study visit

  • Have an implanted device in or near the treatment area that could interfere with safe application of external pressure

  • Have used an investigational drug within 30 days of study enrollment

  • History of any major cardiovascular events including heart valve disease, ongoing angina, cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or peripheral vascular disease.

  • Clinically significant unstable neurologic or systemic illness that would preclude safe participation, as judged by the investigation team.

  • Surgical intervention for pain within 1 month prior to enrollment

  • Active infection, wound, or other external trauma to the areas to be treated

  • Have a known history of any condition or factor judged by the investigator to preclude participation in the study or which might hinder adherence

  • Inability to provide consent

Note: Other protocol defined Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria may apply.

Eligibility last updated 05/06/2026. Questions regarding updates should be directed to the study team contact.

 

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status Contact

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Ziying Yin, Ph.D.

Contact us for the latest status

Contact information:

Melissa Bush

(507) 266-1008

bush.melissa1@mayo.edu

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available