Magnetic Resonance Elastography Of Chronic Low Back Pain Before And After Therapy

Inclusion Criteria: * Adult males or females (age ≥ 18 years) * Report chronic low back pain (≥3 months) (measured by patient history and clinical evaluation) * Pain intensity reported at baseline must be ≥4 on the pain VAS scale * Presence of myofascial pain features in the lumbar region (e.g., localized tenderness and/or trigger points identified by a qualified clinician/therapist) * Able to lie in supine and prone positions for study procedures * Be able to participate fully in all aspects of the study * Have understood and signed study informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Patients with the inability to stay in a prone and supine position for the required procedure durations (e.g., ≥30 minutes at a time) * Any contraindication to an MRI exam, or severe claustrophobia that would prevent safe completion of the scan * Previous lumbar spine surgery or history of severe lumbar injury (e.g., fracture) that, in the investigation team's judgment, would interfere with participation or safety * Patients with known bleeding disorders or current therapeutic anticoagulation that would increase risk of bruising/bleeding with massage * Patients with skin conditions affecting the treatment area (e.g., rash, open wound, active dermatitis) or known allergy to any materials used during treatment (e.g., gels/cleaners), if applicable * Receipt of a new pain treatment within 3 days of the study visit (e.g., injection, ablation, spinal manipulation, massage/manual therapy) that could confound pre/post measures * Use of short-acting opioid analgesics or sedating medications within 24 hours of the study visit * Have an implanted device in or near the treatment area that could interfere with safe application of external pressure * Have used an investigational drug within 30 days of study enrollment * History of any major cardiovascular events including heart valve disease, ongoing angina, cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or peripheral vascular disease. * Clinically significant unstable neurologic or systemic illness that would preclude safe participation, as judged by the investigation team. * Surgical intervention for pain within 1 month prior to enrollment * Active infection, wound, or other external trauma to the areas to be treated * Have a known history of any condition or factor judged by the investigator to preclude participation in the study or which might hinder adhe…