Clinical Research Directory

Healthy Volunteer Inclusion Criteria: * Absence of a history of chronic pain in the targeted anatomical location (i.e., lower back and low extremities) that had limited activities of daily living or work * A numerical current pain index of less than 0.5 (on a 10-point Visual Analog Scale) * Able to understand the goal of the project and give informed consent. Healthy Volunteer Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Any contraindication to an MRI exam * Previous severe/acute back or low extremity injury (including fracture) * Previous back or low extremity surgery * Back and lower limb deformities * Inability to provide consent. Myofascial-Related Pain Patient Inclusion Criteria: * A history of chronic low back or leg pain (the targeted location will be determined based on the findings in Aim 1) for at least 3 months. (Measured by patient history and physical exam) * A palpable taut band or nodule within the skeletal muscle * Hypersensitive tender spot within the taut band * Recognition of current pain complaint by pressure on the tender nodule/taut band * Painful limit to the full stretch range of motion Myofascial-Related Pain Patient Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Any contraindication to an MRI exam * Previous therapy in the area to be treated within 6 months * Previous severe back or low extremity injury (including fracture) or surgery * Any neurological conditions or active systemic disease (e.g. diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis) that impaired sensation/pain perception * Severe osteoarthritis * Skin injuries in the area to be treated * Inability to provide consent.