PHOENIX (Oct. 1, 2026) – Patients suffering from lower back pain may soon benefit from a new tool designed to help doctors identify specific causes of pain before spine surgeries. The CLARITY study at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix is testing Nociscan, a software tool that uses advanced imaging technology and artificial intelligence to help doctors identify which specific discs in the lower back are causing pain. The tool is designed to highlight chemical biomarkers associated with disc pain.
Because identifying the exact discs causing pain can be a major challenge in spine surgery, pinpointing the responsible disc more accurately may enable better surgical decisions and improved recovery. For approximately 266 million people worldwide who suffer from degenerative spine disease and chronic lower back pain, accurate diagnosis can be just as important as surgical treatment.
The study will examine whether the tool can ultimately lead to better surgical outcomes for patients who require spinal fusion or disc replacement due to lower back pain caused by damaged spinal discs. In tandem with other diagnostic tools, Nociscan is designed to help doctors distinguish pain sources by objectively quantifying chemical biomarkers that are associated with disc pain.
“Results from the study could potentially reshape how spine surgeons approach surgical planning and ideally improve quality of life for patients who often otherwise have few options for prolonged pain relief,” said Nicholas Theodore, MD, Banner Health physician executive for the neuroscience service line and chairman of neurosurgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. He is also serving as the principal investigator on the trial in Phoenix.
The trial will involve about 300 patients at 10 sites in the U.S. – including Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern Medicine, and Scripps Health – through the end of 2027.
Accurately identifying which spinal discs are causing pain may also prevent unnecessary future surgeries, another key pillar in how Banner Health is prioritizing prevention and reducing overall health spending. Banner’s inclusion as one of the 10 trial sites in the country demonstrates the nonprofit healthcare system’s commitment to being at the forefront of advancing groundbreaking research that provides real change for patient care.
“Being a part of this landmark clinical trial is another extension of our mission to advance research that will help patients lead healthier lives every day,” said Corey Casper, MD, chief research officer of Banner Health. “Millions of people suffer from chronic lower back pain, and through this research we’re taking meaningful steps to improve the process of diagnosing and treating this debilitating condition."
“Dr. Theodore has long been at the forefront of clinical innovation and excellence in brain and spinal cord injury,” said Fredric Wondisford, MD, dean of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. “Being chosen to lead this pioneering trial here in Phoenix is emblematic of that, as well as of how the college and Banner are working together to drive the discovery of life-altering therapeutics to ensure a healthier future for all Arizonans and beyond.”
About Banner Health
Banner Health's mission is to make health care easier, so life can be better. As one of the nation's largest fully integrated nonprofit health systems, we are pioneering a sustainable care model that prioritizes prevention, manages chronic disease, and reduces health spending – succeeding when patients stay healthy, not when they get sick. We operate 33 hospitals and more than 400 sites across six states, delivering seamless care from primary to quaternary medicine, including health insurance, physician networks, world-renowned specialty services, and behavioral health. Accountable to the communities we serve, we reinvest every dollar into advancing care, research, and facilities, providing more than $1 billion each year in community benefit. Through our partnership with the University of Arizona, we drive clinical discoveries across more than 800 trials and train more than 1,300 residents and fellows annually. Headquartered in Arizona, we serve Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming. Our hospitals are consistently ranked among Arizona's top-performing by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/about.
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