AuriculoTherapy NeuroImaging

Summary

This is a clinical study of patients who have low back pain (for at least 6 months). The goal is to understand, with brain imaging, how auriculotherapy (an acupuncture-like stimulation of the ear) may work to relieve pain. There are 4 total study visits, divided into two pairs of visits that occur before and 5-7 days after receiving either a real or sham auriculotherapy treatment. The cryo-IQ device will be used, to stimulate 7 small areas on both ears with a focused jet of cold as a small amount of compressed gas is released. This is generally not painful, and less invasive, compared to using needles for auriculotherapy.

Detailed Description

This is a 1:1 randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, within-subject crossover trial of cyro-auriculotherapy in patients with chronic low back pain. Cryo-auriculotherapy is an effective alternative to needles, in which compressed gas provides focal (\~1 mm2) persistent stim of auricular points, with minimal pain. Both before and 5-7 days after (time of peak effect) active vs. sham cryo-AT, resting brain connectivity will be measured with functional MRI and responses to a non-therapeutic experimental auricular stim paradigm (using von Frey filaments) will be recorded with functional near infra-red spectroscopy. After a 2-month washout period, patients will return for the same data collection surrounding the crossover intervention.

Eligibility Criteria

Interventions