Funded Projects

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Project # Project Title Research Focus Area Research Program Administering IC Institution(s) Investigator(s) Location(s) Year Awarded
1U18EB030607-01
Non-invasive Nonpharmaceutical Treatment for Neck Pain: Development of Cervical Spine-specific MR-guided Focused Ultrasound System Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Translating Discoveries into Effective Devices to Treat Pain NINDS UNIVERSITY OF UTAH RIEKE, VIOLA Salt Lake City, UT 2020
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Translational Development of Devices to Treat Pain (U18 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-EB-18-003
Summary:

Neck pain is the fourth leading cause of disability and also a significant cause of cervicogenic headaches. Many of the currently available neck pain treatments are invasive with associated risks and complications, particularly because of the complex anatomy. Magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound, a novel, completely noninvasive technique, can precisely target spinal facet joints to help ameliorate neck pain, potentially transforming the current practices. The goal of this study is to develop a cervical spine-specific device and demonstrate its safety and efficacy on targeting cervical sensory fibers and the third occipital nerve. The results of these studies will provide an understanding on how to best use this technology for chronic neck pain as well as a basis for translation into human use.