Ultrasound Imaging for Myofascial Pain - Healthy Controls

STUDY BASICS

Are you 40-70 years old without chronic low back pain? You may be able to participate in a research study to help understand and diagnose low back pain using ultrasound imaging. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

This study is to help understand and diagnose low back pain using ultrasound imaging. We will also use advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze the ultrasound exam. The goal of this study is to develop a practical method to identify pain due to low back muscles. 

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Eligible participants: 

• Are ages 40-70 years old
• Do not have a history of chronic low back pain, myofascial pain of the neck or shoulders, or fibromyalgia

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

To participate in this study, there are 2 in-person visits. Distributed in Visit 1 and 2, you will participate in 3 ultrasound imaging experiments. Most of the procedures are similar to clinical ultrasound exams. The first ultrasound imaging experiment is to image the 3D anatomy of the fascia/muscle area. The second ultrasound experiment is to image your lower back. The third ultrasound imaging experiment is a shearwave elastography (SWE). A vibrating device will be used on your back to produce a shear wave that travels around to the low back area. The trials in each experiment will be repeated several times. The total scan time will take about 2 hours.