Non-Invasive Targeted Electronic Pain Control Device ("Biowave System") Versus Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for the Symptomatic Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain

Background-Low back pain is a common, costly & often chronic condition, estimated to affect 85% of people in their lifetime. A form of electronic pain control currently in use is TENS. Although the exact mechanism is not completely understood, it is proposed that its effectiveness is based on the gate control theory. Biowave has developed new patentable technology & a related device in the field of electromedicine. The device delivers a precise electrical signal to a specific volume of tissue in the body, which blocks the transmission of pain impulses.

Treatment Plan-Treatment will be initiated with device indicated by the order to which the pt. was randomized. Pts. will be connected to one of two devices hidden from view by application of two small round two-inch diameter electrodes to the lower back.

Baseline-A complete medical history & a physical examination will be performed. The pt. will complete a BPI questionnaire & be randomized to one of two treatment orders: 1) Biowave device followed by TENS device or 2) TENS device followed by Biowave Device. 2 treatment sessions will be separated by at least 72 hours.

Treatment-Prior to each treatment session, pt. will complete initial VAS evaluations. Pt.'s ROM will be assessed & vital signs will be obtained. Pts. will complete VAS & categorical pain assessments at end of the 20 minute treatment period.

Post-treatment-Pts. will repeat ROM test after device has been turned off & electrodes removed. VAS pain evaluations will be completed by the pt. at 30 & 60 minutes, vital signs & patient global impression of change will be obtained at 60 minutes following discontinuation of therapy. Pts. will be given VAS & categorical pain assessments to be completed at 4, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours & 1 week after treatment (to be returned by mail/fax) to assess possible long-term analgesic effects.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients must be male or female of any race and between the ages of 18 and 60, inclusive;
• Female patients of childbearing potential may participate if they agree to a urine pregnancy test and the result is negative.
• The primary location of pain must be the lower back area (below 12th thoracic vertebra) without pain radiating to the legs (a subgroup [n=10] with pain radiating to the legs will be studied as well. Treatment will be initiated with the device indicated by the treatment order to which the patient was randomized). The pain must have been present for 3 months or greater prior to entry into the study;
• Patients must have a baseline score of ³40 mm on the VAS pain scale;
• If taking analgesics, patients must agree to maintain a steady regimen for the duration of the study;
• Patients must be able to understand and cooperate with study procedures; and
• Patients must have signed a legally effective written informed consent prior to entering the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Epilepsy
• Pregnancy
• Pacemaker
• History of cardiac arrhythmias
• Implantable devices (AICD, pump, etc.)
• Surgical intervention during the past month for the treatment of low back pain or its underlying etiology
• Other severe pain that may confound assessment or self-evaluation of the chronic low back pain;
• Patients with pending Worker's Compensation claims, pending civil litigation pertinent to the cause of low back pain, currently receiving monetary compensation for the injury resulting in back pain, or currently involved in out-of-court settlements for claims pertinent to their back pain;
• Abuse of illicit drugs or alcohol within the last 6 months;
• Clinically significant or unstable medical or psychological conditions that, in the opinion of the investigator, would compromise participation in the study;
• Participation in a clinical trial for an investigational drug and/or agent within 30 days prior to screening.