Hippocampal Stimulation in Chronic Low Back Pain

Inclusion criteria

• ≥ 6 months of back pain on a daily basis;
• male or female with no racial or ethnic restrictions;
• 18 to 75 years old;
• average back pain intensity > 4/10 at study entry;
• must be able to read, understand, and sign consent form;
• generally healthy.

Exclusion criteria

• back pain with fever, chills, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute vertebral fractures,
• history of tumor in the back;
• back surgery within the past 6 months;
• Chronic neurologic conditions, e.g., Parkinson's
• involvement in litigation regarding back pain;
• other severe medical diseases;
• pregnancy;
• positive urinary screen for any recreational drugs,
• opioids use;
• use of anticoagulants (low dose ASA allowed);
• history of gastric ulcer; renal insufficiency or congestive heart failure,
• contraindication to MRI,
• contraindication to TMS; including history of seizure/epilepsy*
• Any medical condition that in the investigator's judgment may prevent the individual from completing the study or put the individual at undue risk;
• In the judgment of the investigator, unable or unwilling to follow protocol and instructions;
• Diagnosis of major depression;
• Intra-axial implants (e.g. spinal cord stimulators or pumps)