PET Imaging of Chronic Pain Syndromes

The proposed study is based on our growing understanding of chronic pain and our ability to use functional brain imaging to study in vivo neurophysiologic processes. It is important to understand the brain and body mechanisms of chronic pain in order to better determine therapeutic interventions to reduce pain. Part of the difficulty in treating chronic pain is to determine how better to diagnose what specific issues are affecting the brain and body that result in chronic pain. Participants will undergo a small battery of diagnostic tests that include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET). A secondary goal of this study is to determine if undergoing chiropractic care alters body or brain physiology in patients with chronic pain.

Inclusion criteria

for Chronic Pain Patients:

• Age greater than 18 years old.
• Have chronic pain symptoms for >3 months;
• Have moderate pain (>3/10) in 2 or more areas for more than 5 out of 7 days
• Is planning on undergoing chiropractic care for the clinical management of the chronic pain.
• May be on pain medications provided that they are on a stable dose for at least 1 month
• Patients have no other pre-existing and active significant medical, neurological, or psychological disorders.
• Minor, stable health problems that should have no substantial effect on cerebral blood flow will be allowed (i.e. controlled hypertension, medication controlled diabetes).
• Patients will be allowed to be taking medications or supplements at the initial intake, but they must be on a stable dose regimen for at least 1 month.
• Able to give informed consent and willing to complete the study at Thomas Jefferson University and Marcus Institute of Integrative Health.

Inclusion criteria

for Healthy Controls:

• No significant current active medical conditions.
• Stable medical conditions as determined by the PI are allowed.
• No brain or body abnormalities that would affect the acquisition or analysis of the scan.

Exclusion criteria

for Chronic Pain Patients and Healthy Controls:

• Pregnant or breast feeding
• Enrollment in active clinical trial/ experimental therapy within the prior 30 days.
• Subject is unable or unwilling to lie still in the scanner (i.e. due to claustrophobia or weight)
• Subject has metal in their body or other reason that they cannot undergo magnetic resonance imaging.