NCT05721027 · Montefiore Medical Center
Ibuprofen With or Without Dexamethasone for Acute Radicular Low Back Pain.
What this study is about
This will be a placebo controlled, randomly assigned, where neither patients nor doctors know which treatment is given, comparative effectiveness study, in which we patients are enrolled during an emergency department (ED) visit for acute radicular low back pain (LBP) and followed by telephone two and seven days later.
View original scientific description
This will be a placebo controlled, randomized, double-blind, comparative effectiveness study, in which we patients are enrolled during an emergency department (ED) visit for acute radicular low back pain (LBP) and followed by telephone two and seven days later. Patients will be randomized to receive an oral dose of dexamethasone for 2 consecutive days or placebo during an ED visit for acute radicular LBP.
Interventions
DRUG
Ibuprofen 400 mg
Ibuprofen 400 mg PO every 8 hours as needed for 7 days
DRUG
Dexamethasone Oral
Dexamethasone 16 mg PO during ED visit and next day
BEHAVIORAL
Educational Intervention
Research personnel will provide each patient with a 15-minute educational intervention. This will be based on National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Handout on Health: Back Pain information
Primary outcome measures
Change in Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) score
Time frame: 2 days (48 hours)
The change in RMDQ will be evaluated using the 24-item Roland Morris Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire. The RMDQ is a 24-item patient-reported outcome measure that inquires about pain-related disability resulting from LBP. Items are scored 0 if left blank or 1 if endorsed, for a total RMDQ score ranging from 0 to 24. Higher scores represent higher levels of pain-related disability. The change will be calculated as a difference between the baseline ED visit and the two day follow-up visit (Roland-Morris baseline - Roland-Morris day 2)
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Present to ED primarily for management of acute radicular LBP, defined as pain or paresthesia originating from the lower back and radiating to the buttock and or leg in a radicular pattern. Some patients may not have prominent LBP but a radicular symptom--we will include these patients as well.
- Patient is to be discharged home.
- Age 18-70 Enrollment will be limited to adults \<70 years because of the increased risk of adverse medication effects in older adults.
- Pain duration \<2 week
- Prior to the acute attack of radicular LBP, back pain cannot occur more frequently than half of the days in the last 3 months. Patients with more frequent back pain/sciatica are at increased risk of poor pain and functional outcomes.10
- Non-traumatic cause of pain: no substantial and direct trauma to the back within the previous month
- Functionally impairing radicular LBP: A baseline score of \> 5 on the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire
Where
- The Bronx, New York
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations