New to clinical trials?

Clinical trials are the vehicle through which the safety and efficacy of new drugs and medical devices are tested before they are released to the general public.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is research using human volunteers to answer a specific health question, e.g., “does this new device provide more pain relief than a currently used device?”

Why participate in a trial?

For eligible participants, a clinical trial can provide access to novel back pain treatments before they are commercially available and access to physicians at leading health care facilities during the trial. Risks include: ineffective treatment and mild to severe side effects of the experimental treatment.

Am I a candidate?

Each clinical trial listed here includes specific inclusion criteria (that allow someone to participate) and exclusion criteria (that disallow someone from participating). Interested individuals should carefully review these basic requirements before contacting a physician or center participating in a particular clinical trial.

Read more:

Clinical Trials: What you need to know
Introduction to Clinical Trials (NIH)