Southern California University of Health Sciences Awarded $1.7 Million NIH R01 Grant to Advance Research on Chronic Low Back Pain
Summary
This prestigious grant will fund groundbreaking research comparing the safety, efficiency, and care costs for Medicare beneficiaries receiving acupuncture for chronic low back pain. The research, in collaboration with Dartmouth College, launched in August and will span three years.The NIH R01 grant is highly sought after and represents a significant milestone for SCU, underscoring the universitys commitment to advancing evidence-based care. The project, titled "Acupuncture for Medicare Beneficiaries with Chronic Low Back Pain: Access, Utilization, and Outcomes," is led by Principal Investigator Dr. James Whedon, DC, MS, a distinguished Professor and Senior Clinical Health Services Researcher at SCU.A licensed chiropractor, Dr. Whedon has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and is recognized for his research comparing non-pharmacological and pharmacological chronic pain care for Medicare recipients. Despite evidence-based clinical guidelines prioritizing non-pharmacologic therapies like acupuncture, many patients with chronic low back pain have historically relied solely on analgesic medications, often with limited efficacy. Today, the institution offers graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including Chiropractic, Sports Medicine, Physical & Occupational Therapy, Genetic Counseling, Genetics & Genomics, Medical Science, Physician Assistant, Ayurveda, Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine, Whole Health Leadership, and beyond.