The North American Spine Society (NASS) is a leading multidisciplinary medical society dedicated to promoting the highest quality ethical, value-based, and evidence-based spine care. With nearly 8,000 members worldwide, NASS focuses on fostering excellence in spine care through education, research, and advocacy. Its members come from various spine-related specialties, including orthopedics, neurosurgery, physiatry, and pain management. NASS is committed to being a prominent supporter of spine research, having funded over $4.6 million in spine-related studies since 1989, aiming to improve patient care and understanding of spinal disorders.
The Nontraditional, Nonsurgical Treatment Grant focuses on supporting research into disc-related and/or neuropathic back pain using nonsurgical techniques, particularly those that are new and nontraditional. Funded by a donation from a class action lawsuit settlement, this grant encourages exploring treatment options beyond traditional surgical approaches. The grant specifically supports research on nontraditional methods for treating back and neck pain, including radiculopathy. If TNF-inhibitors, excluding etanercept, are utilized, comparison studies with perispinal etanercept must be conducted. The grant amounts range from $20,000 to $40,000 per year, with possible exceptions allowing up to $50,000 per year, determined by the NASS Research Funding Committee based on application merit and available funds.