The goal of this study is to investigate the role of central neural pathways in mediating chronic pain. The aim of the study is to test the effect of stimulating brain regions that are part of a network underlying central pain processing using a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). Prior studies have used tDCS to target both sensory related cortical areas and those important for higher-order representations of pain. This study will target brain regions important for the behavioral response to the chronic sensation of pain. The hypothesis is that stimulation of these brain regions can modulate not only the affective component of pain, but ultimately also improve functioning and quality of life. This hypothesis will be tested by treating study participants eighteen and older with chronic low back pain (CLBP) of greater than six months using tDCS. To be part of this study, participants must meet all the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
30
active stimulation: 2 milliamp (mA), 20 mins
sham stimulation
West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory (General Activity Subscale) Rating
Subscale C of the West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory (WHY-MPI) is a validated measure of chronic pain's effects on functioning. Ranging from 0-108, higher scores indicate more activity (better outcome).
Time frame: 8 weeks total
Pain Anxiety Symptom Scale Rating
The Pain Anxiety Symptom Scale (PASS-20) is a validated measure of pain-related avoidance and fear. Total score ranges 0-100. Higher scores indicate greater pain anxiety.
Time frame: 8 weeks total
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