Spine Research

As part of Oregon's only academic health center, the OHSU Spine Center is devoted to enriching scientific knowledge and to training the next generation of doctors. OHSU faculty, students and health professionals are researching many spine conditions, with the primary goal of improving patient care. Use our search tool to find studies by OHSU scientists.

Functional Outcomes Program

This program studies the treatment of chronic back pain and other spine conditions. The goal is to help patients:

  • Improve function
  • Manage pain
  • Return to work and other daily activities
  • Need less treatment

Spine experts track and measure patients’ progress through periodic surveys. Learn more about patient-reported outcomes.

Clinical trials

Photo of a person pointing at a monitor that shows a scan of a spine

Spine Center doctors are also scientists who have taken part in dozens of studies to better understand the diagnosis and treatment of spine conditions. OHSU’s many clinical trials, made possible by thousands of volunteer participants, enable doctors to test their innovations on humans. Search for an OHSU clinical trial.

Physicians: To enroll a patient, contact the person listed for the specific study or call our research program administrative coordinator at 503-494-0210.

Other Resources

  • Read more about OHSU clinical trials, plus find links to additional resources.
  • Learn about understanding clinical trials. These pages are designed for cancer patients, but they include information useful to anyone considering a clinical trial.

Training

Spine Center doctors share their knowledge with other doctors and the community through seminars and other educational opportunities. They also help train medical students and new doctors, including interns and fellows. For training opportunities, visit our: