Home › Chronic Pain › NCT05961800

Offset Mechanisms in Evaluation of Lumbar Medial Branch Blocks

OMEGA Study: Offset Mechanisms in Evaluation of Lumbar Medial Branch Block

Who can join

Ages 18 and older · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

* Scheduled for lumbar MBB in UPMC Pain Management clinics
* Age \> 18 years old
* Predominantly axial chronic low back pain at least 3 months on a daily basis
* Must meet the minimum criteria for cognitive function using the PROMIS 2-item cognitive screener (\>3)
* Low back pain intensity of \> 3/10
* Willing and able to receive study-related phone calls

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of spine surgery at the level of the lumbar MBB
* Active worker's compensation or litigation claims
* New pain and/or psychiatric treatments within 2 weeks of enrollment
* Not fluent in English and/or not able to complete the questionnaires
* Any clinically unstable systemic illness that is judged to interfere with the study

About the study

This study examines the relationship between central nervous system (CNS) mechanisms of pain inhibition and the pain relief that occurs following a lumbar medial branch block (MBB).

What is being tested

• Cutaneous Probe (behavioral)
• Quantitative Sensory Testing (behavioral)
• Computer Tasks (behavioral)

Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh · Participants: 40 · Started: Jul 5, 2023

Contact the study team

• Maya L Maurer, BS · Phone: 412-665-8052
• Benedict J Alter, MD, PhD · Phone: 412-677-0575

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT05961800

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Chronic Pain
• Procedural Pain

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 29, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.