A Superiority Trial of Radiofrequency Ablation for Low Back Pain (NCT07222462)
ASTRAL: A Superiority Trial of Radiofrequency Ablation for Low Back Pain
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
The purpose of the ASTRAL Study is to evaluate the effectiveness of LRFA (Lumbar radiofrequency ablation) against a control procedure. The ASTRAL Study will enroll individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and randomly assign them to one of three groups: lumbar radiofrequency ablation using conventional electrodes placed parallel to the medial branch nerves (LRFA-C), lumbar radiofrequency ablation using multi-tined electrodes placed perpendicular to the medial branch nerves (LRFA-M), or a simulated radiofrequency ablation procedure.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Emory Musculoskeletal Institute — Atlanta, Georgia
Age range: 18 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- Lumbar radiofrequency ablation with conventional electrodes (LRFA-C) (PROCEDURE)
- Lumbar radiofrequency ablation with multi-tined electrodes (LRFA-M) (PROCEDURE)
- Simulated lumbar radiofrequency ablation (PROCEDURE)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (3 Sites)
- Emory Musculoskeletal Institute — Atlanta, Georgia
- Cleveland Clinic — Cleveland, Ohio
- University of Utah Orthopaedic Center/PM&R — Salt Lake City, Utah
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (206) 210-4040
Email: astralstudy@uw.edu
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP)
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- Focal Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy With Two Different Dosing Regimens for Chronic Low Back Pain — Guadalajara, Jalisco
- A Prospective Evaluation of Spinal Cord Induced Muscle Stimulation (MuscleSCS) for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain — Charleston, West Virginia
- Resilience Enhancement Following Sleep Treatment — Charlottesville, Virginia
- Neuroimmune Responses to Exercise in Chronic Back Pain — Montreal, Quebec
Explore by condition: All Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.