Auriculotherapy Brain Imaging Research Study

STUDY BASICS

Adults with low back pain are being recruited to determine how stimulation of the ear and cryo-auriculotherapy treatment change brain activity and affect chronic low back pain. This research study involves four visits that each last two hours, conducted during weekday working hours. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to localize brain activations from auricular stimulation and cryo-auriculotherapy in patients with chronic low back pain.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• are at least 18 years of age
• experience chronic low back pain (> 6 months)
• do not have any active lesions or skin disruptions to either ear
• have not within the last month had surgery or a pain treatment performed
• have not within the last month started any new pain or psychiatric medication (such as anti-depressant, stimulant, sleep aid, or mood-stabilizer)
• do not experience chronic pain in the shoulder or thumb
• are not claustrophobic
• have no metal implants or non-removable metal piercings

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

This study involves four visits that each last two hours, conducted during weekday working hours.  Subjects will undergo MRI, wear a cap to measure brain activation and experience stimulation with a flexible plastic filament and cryo-auriculotherapy to spots on their ear.