Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation After Lumbar Surgery

Summary

The purpose of this study, entitled "Delivering Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation as an Adjunct Non-Opioid Pain Management Therapy for Patients Undergoing Lumbar Surgery", is to demonstrate whether transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN) can non-invasively reduce the perception of pain in patients undergoing lumbar surgery. tAN is placed on and around the ear to non-invasively stimulate branches of the vagus and trigeminal nerves and modulate specific brain regions associated with pain.

Detailed Description

This study is designed as a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, single-center, clinical trial in which 20 patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery will be randomized 1:1 into one of two treatment groups: 1. Group 1 (n=10): Active tAN + standard care 2. Group 2 (n=10): Sham tAN + standard care Stimulation: Participants undergoing lumbar surgery will be randomized to receive either active or sham tAN treatment according to the following time points: * Pre-operative: 30 minutes in the hour prior to surgery * Intra-operative: 30 minutes before the end of surgery * Post-operative: 30 minutes at 3 and 6 hours after surgery * Inpatient: Four 30-minute sessions on Day 2 Blood Draws Participants will have blood samples collected at the following time points: * Day 1 (Day of Surgery) * Day 2 (Day 1 post-surgical) Follow up Visits Participants will have study follow up visits on Days 7 and Day 14. These visits can either be conducted either via a secure telehealth video visit, or in person visit.

Eligibility Criteria

Interventions