Many people suffer with low back pain and look to a variety of treatments to find relief from pain. A group of leading Australian researchers at The George Institute are looking into the treatment of low back pain.
Be part of a leading Australian research program investigating treatments for low back pain (less than 6 weeks old). This study, which is currently underway, will recruit 1,650 people in the Sydney metropolitan area and will follow patients’ recovery for three months. The participants will receive free treatment from a medical doctor trained in treating back pain.
We are measuring how quickly people recover when they receive the best available medical advice and a new formulation of paracetamol. Surveys reveal that most people do not receive this care which may explain why many people recover slowly.
The primary aim of the project is to assess the effect that paracetamol has on recovery from acute non-specific low back pain. Secondly, the trial will determine whether taking a ‘regular dosing’ of paracetamol is more effective in reducing days to recovery then taking an ‘as required’ dosing.
Participants receive free treatment from a medical doctor trained in treating back pain. They will be fully assessed by the study doctor, given advice about how best to manage their back pain and provided with the study medicine. Participants progress is carefully monitored.
If you are interested in participating we will arrange a brief telephone interview to determine if you are suitable. If you are, we will arrange an appointment with a study medical doctor.
Every participant receives good quality medical advice and follow-up from the doctor. Two thirds of participants receive the study paracetamol and one third receive an inactive placebo. You or the study doctor will not know what type of medicine you are receiving.
The study is a double blind placebo controlled trial which will recruit 1,650 patients with recent onset non-specific low back pain. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of three groups to compare ‘regular’ paracetamol to ‘as required’ paracetamol or placebo. Participants will be followed for 3 months to determine the number of days to recovery and the effect of paracetamol on pain, disability, function and sleep quality. A cost-effectiveness analysis of paracetamol for managing patients with low back pain will also be conducted.
The study is currently recruiting participants. If you have moderate low back pain which began less then 6 weeks ago and you would like to know more about the study please contact the researchers below:
For more information or to become involved contact Nada or Dominique.
George Institute PACE Clinical Trial Website
PACE on Facebook
Download the PACE Patient Info Sheet (PDF)
Additional information
This investigator initiated study was awarded a 2009 project grant from the NHMRC and has received additional industry funding.
ACTRN12609000966291
