Southampton neurosurgeons are currently among the first in the world to participate in a post market clinical study to treat chronic lower back pain.
Helen was the first patient to be recruited to the Southampton branch of the ReActiv8 study and has been a participant since October 2017. We caught up with her to see how she has been getting on with the study and what it means to be a participant in research.
Hi Helen, why did you get involved with the trial?
I joined the trial after trying other pain management options like pain killers and physiotherapy, with no success. This was my last option before needing surgery, and with nothing to lose I wanted to try it.
How do you feel about the treatment?
My back pain came on suddenly, making standing for long periods of time, working and my day to day life very painful.
I hardly notice that the device is in my back most days, I use it for 30 minutes twice per day, when I wake up and when I go to bed. It’s so simple to use, just press the pad on and let it do the work.
I’ve felt a massive improvement in my right side and although I’m not completely pain free yet, I definitely feel like I’m getting somewhere!
How does it feel to be a participant in research?
I was excited to take part in the study before it began. I saw it as another avenue to explore that might lead to a solution and hoped that it would give me the chance to get rid of the pain, so I was really positive.
Being a research participant is just an extra part of my life that I’m involved in – I don’t feel under observation or pressured to achieve anything and it’s never felt intrusive. It’s an opportunity to possibly help someone else in the future.
Do you have any words for someone who wants to take part in research?
I’d say just do it – when you have nothing to lose, what is stopping you? Your involvement can help to shape treatment for people in the future and that is so rewarding. You’re in great hands, so don’t worry, just get involved!
Posted on Tuesday 19 June 2018