CHRONIC PAIN

This study tested a web-based program that combines cognitive behavioral therapy with pain self-management for 160 adults who have both opioid use disorder and chronic pain. Participants were already taking methadone or buprenorphine. The program aimed to improve treatment adhere…

This study tested a program to help adults with chronic pain, anxiety, and depression who were taking long-term opioids. The program added a pharmacist, a social worker, and a community health worker to the care team to support safer opioid use. The goal was to reduce high-dose p…

This study looked at whether giving people with chronic pain discounted vouchers for medical cannabis could help them use fewer opioid painkillers. About 270 adults who already had medical cannabis certification took part. Researchers tracked their opioid use over time to see if …

This study tested a computer-based decision support tool in primary care clinics. The tool was designed to help doctors and patients with chronic pain work together to choose treatment plans. The goal was to see if using this tool would lead to more shared decision-making and pot…

This pilot study tested whether giving vitamin D shortly after a burn injury can prevent chronic pain. Forty adults took either vitamin D or a placebo within a week of their burn. Researchers checked safety, pain levels, and immune system changes over 6 months. The main goal was …

This study tested a voluntary program to help 51 adults with chronic pain reduce their long-term opioid use. Participants worked with their doctor to slowly lower their dose over 4 months and received a self-help book. The main goal was to see if opioid doses could be safely redu…

This study tested a 4-week mental imagery program in 34 adults (17 with chronic neck pain, 17 healthy). Participants practiced imagining neck movements to see if it could reduce pain, improve body awareness, and change brain activity. The goal was to understand if this simple, dr…

This study looked at whether medical cannabis can help people with chronic pain reduce or stop taking opioid painkillers. 29 adults who were already on opioids and wanted to wean off them were given access to medical marijuana and followed for six months. Researchers tracked pain…

This study tested two antidepressant medications, duloxetine and desipramine, to see which one is more effective at reducing pain in people with chronic pain. 86 adults with pain lasting more than 3 months were randomly assigned to one of the two drugs. The main goal was to see h…

This study tested a new approach called Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) against standard physical therapy for adults with chronic neck pain lasting over 3 months. Sixty people aged 18 to 64 took part. The goal was to see if CFT could better reduce pain and improve daily functi…

This study tested a compassion meditation program for 142 Veterans with chronic pain and either depression or PTSD. Participants learned meditation techniques to reduce suffering and improve well-being. The goal was to see if this mind-body approach could lessen pain's impact on …

This study looked at 351 adults with inguinal hernia who had keyhole surgery (TAPP). Doctors compared using 3 points versus 1 point to fix the mesh inside. The goal was to see which method caused less pain, fewer complications like fluid buildup or infection, and lower chance of …

This study tested a mindfulness program for veterans with chronic pain and thoughts of suicide. 76 veterans took part to see if the program was acceptable and could help reduce pain, depression, and suicide risk. The goal was to gather information on whether this approach is wort…

This study looked at whether adults with long-term non-cancer pain would try non-opioid treatments like massage, yoga, chiropractic, or physical therapy offered through telehealth. 21 participants were invited to these options, and researchers tracked changes in pain, mood, and o…

This study tested whether a nerve block injection in the neck (stellate ganglion block) could make cognitive processing therapy work better for PTSD. Sixty adults with PTSD and chronic pain received either the real injection or a placebo alongside one week of intensive therapy. T…

This study tested two treatments for chronic neck pain lasting over 3 months: pharmacopuncture (injecting herbal extracts into acupuncture points) and regular acupuncture. 128 adults aged 19-70 with moderate to severe pain took part. The goal was to see which approach reduces pai…

This study tested whether a mind-body walking program is practical and helpful for adults with long-term muscle or bone pain. About 92 people took part, comparing the walking program to a health education class. The goal was to see if people would join, stick with it, and find it…

This study tested a 7-week phone-based program to help older adults with both chronic pain and mild memory problems manage their pain better. Participants received weekly calls from a community health worker and watched educational videos. The goal was to see if the program was p…

This study tested different treatment plans for people with chronic low back pain. 749 adults were first given either physical therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. If that didn't help enough, they were offered a switch to the other therapy or mindfulness training. The goal wa…

This study looked at whether giving nitrous oxide (laughing gas) during a spine procedure called vertebroplasty could reduce pain and the need for morphine afterward. It included 39 adults who had been taking opioid pain medication for more than a month. The goal was to see if th…

This study tested a special type of talk therapy, called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Loneliness (CBT-L), delivered by phone or computer to veterans with chronic pain who also feel lonely. The goal was to see if it could reduce loneliness and pain-related problems. About 40 v…

This small pilot study tested a specially adapted mindfulness-based therapy for older Black adults (age 50+) who have both chronic pain and early memory problems. The goal was to see if this approach could improve quality of life and reduce how much pain interferes with daily act…

This study looked at whether Tai Chi, a gentle mind-body exercise, can improve quality of life for adults living with both HIV and chronic pain. Thirty-six participants aged 45 and older took part in a 10-week Tai Chi program. The goal was to see if the program was feasible and a…

This study tested whether adding electrical dry needling to therapeutic exercise helps people with chronic neck pain more than exercise alone. 90 adults aged 30-65 with neck pain lasting at least 3 months took part. Researchers measured pain and daily function to see which treatm…

This study tested a new device that produces a cold atmospheric plasma jet (the Human Regenerator Power Jet) to see if it could improve quality of life in adults suffering from chronic stress, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, sleep problems, or Long-COVID. 40 participants used the …

This study tested whether a mindfulness-based group therapy program, originally developed in Canada, could work for French teenagers aged 12–17 with chronic pain. The main goal was to see if teens would attend at least 6 of 8 sessions. Researchers also looked at effects on pain, …

This study tested a group breathwork program for adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Researchers wanted to see if the program was practical and liked by participants, and if it could help reduce pain intensity and interference. The study involved 35 people and focused on fe…

This study tested a new program called STEP-UP that uses educational podcasts and support from a community health worker to help older adults manage chronic pain. 40 people aged 50 and older with long-lasting pain that limits their daily activities took part. The goal was to see …

This study tested whether a telehealth program teaching mind-body skills could help rural veterans manage chronic pain. Forty veterans participated in a 12-session video group program. The main goals were to see if the program was feasible, acceptable, and helpful for reducing pa…

This study tested a smartphone-based program to help people who have both chronic pain and heavy drinking habits. Researchers wanted to see if the app was easy to use and helpful for people in primary care, including those in rural areas. The study involved 32 participants and fo…

This study tested a new pain-relief injection (ST-01) in 63 men with chronic scrotal pain lasting over 3 months. Participants received up to 4 injections, one every 28 days, of either ST-01 or standard lidocaine. The goal was to see if ST-01 is safe and better at reducing pain ov…

This study tested a 10-week education program designed to help Asian Americans with chronic pain learn coping strategies and reduce negative thinking about pain. 45 Korean American adults with ongoing pain took part. The goal was to see if the program was practical and helpful fo…

This study looked at two different procedures—cryoablation and endoscopic denervation—to treat long-term pain in the sacroiliac joint (where the spine meets the pelvis). 51 adults with confirmed SI joint pain were enrolled. The goal was to see which method better reduces pain and…

This study tested a mobile app designed to help people with chronic pain manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. 108 adults with chronic pain used the app, which provided education, support, and remote monitoring, along with an optional activity tracker. The goal was…

This study tested whether a Whole Health Team—focusing on non-drug strategies like exercise, mindfulness, and coaching—can help veterans with chronic pain feel better and function better. About 793 veterans took part across five VA sites. The team approach was compared to group e…

This study tested whether mindfully focusing on pain sensations can help people with chronic pain feel better. Researchers worked with 300 adults who had pain for at least six months. Participants learned to pay close attention to their pain in a new way, aiming to reduce pain in…

This study tested an online program called 'Empowered Relief' to see if it could help people with chronic pain who misuse prescription opioids. 234 adults took part, comparing the program to a general health education course. The goal was to reduce pain, opioid cravings, and misu…

This study tested a device called the Sana Pain Reliever for people with long-term nerve pain. 75 adults used the device at home for 8 to 14 weeks, with all visits done by video call. The goal was to see if the device could safely reduce pain and improve quality of life.

This study looked at whether Ericksonian hypnosis can reduce chronic pain in people with Parkinson's disease. 33 adults with Parkinson's and ongoing pain were split into two groups: one received hypnosis sessions for 2 months, the other continued with their usual care. The main g…

This study tested two home-based digital pain treatments—Skills-Based VR and painTRAINER—in 330 people with chronic pain living in rural areas. Participants used the programs at home for 8 weeks and reported their pain levels and daily function. The goal was to see if one program…

This study tested a painless brain stimulation technique called tDCS in 38 veterans with chronic pain, PTSD, and depression. The treatment uses low-level electrical currents to calm overactive pain and stress circuits in the brain. Researchers measured changes in pain intensity a…

This study looked at whether a targeted drug delivery system (a pump that sends pain medicine directly to the spine) works better than standard pain pills for people with severe cancer pain. Researchers followed 30 adults whose pain was not controlled by strong opioids. They meas…

This study tested a program that teaches people with long-term muscle and joint pain how to cope better using education, gentle movement, and mental strategies. 169 adults took part, comparing the program to usual care. The goal was to see if it reduces pain-related disability, f…

This study tested two ways to ease chronic neck pain: a treatment called percutaneous neuromodulation (using tiny needles to stimulate nerves) and a standard exercise program. One hundred adults with neck pain lasting at least 3 months took part. The goal was to see which approac…

This study tested whether group mindfulness classes, based on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, could improve daily function and reduce pain in adults with chronic low back pain. Over 450 participants took part, and researchers measured pain levels and physical ability at sever…

This small pilot study tested whether oral cannabinoids (medical cannabis) can help people with chronic pain. Researchers enrolled 51 adults and measured how easy it was to run the study, including recruitment and adherence. The goal was to gather data to design a larger, more de…

This study tested two ways to give steroid injections for carpal tunnel syndrome: one guided by ultrasound into the wrist, and the other into a muscle. 63 adults with mild-to-moderate symptoms took part. The goal was to see which method better reduces pain and improves hand funct…

This study tested whether a walking program, combined with pain education, could help veterans with opioid use disorder and chronic pain. 60 veterans receiving medication for opioid addiction took part. The goal was to see if the program was acceptable and helpful for managing pa…

This study tested whether adding a special skin glue (Dermabond) to the usual stitches and tape can keep spinal cord stimulator trial wires from moving out of place. 57 adults with chronic pain took part. The main goal was to measure how much the wires shifted over 5-8 days, comp…

This study tested a web-based hypnosis app called Rose in 100 adults with chronic pain (including low back pain) over 8 weeks. Participants used the app and reported on pain, satisfaction, and usability. The goal was to see if the app is user-friendly and effective at reducing pa…

This study looked at whether taking a non-opioid medication (duloxetine) together with web-based pain-coping skills training helps people with long-term muscle and joint pain. About 280 adults with daily pain for at least 3 months took part. The goal was to see if this combined a…

This study looked at whether a mild, below-sensation level nerve stimulation (called sub-threshold DRG stimulation) can reduce chronic pain better than a sham (device turned off). Twenty adults who already have a nerve stimulator implant and had good pain relief from standard the…

This study tested a brief, three-session program for adults with chronic pain and a history of stressful or traumatic experiences. The goal was to see if the program was practical and helpful. Fifty people took part in virtual sessions. The study focused on whether people would j…

This study looked at whether playing music during common back pain procedures (like injections) can help lower patients' pain and anxiety. Thirty adults with chronic lower back pain took part. Researchers measured anxiety and pain scores before and after the procedure, comparing …

This study tested two types of training to help Hungarian teenagers (ages 12-18) with chronic pain become more active and confident. One group met in person, the other used videos. The goal was to see which approach worked best and how it helped them manage pain. The study includ…

This study tested a mobile website called LIMIT to help veterans with chronic pain safely reduce their opioid use. 44 veterans who had been on long-term opioid therapy used the app for 6 months. The goal was to see if the tool could support tapering while managing pain, without r…

This study tested a one-day life skills workshop for 176 veterans with mild traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, and mental health conditions like PTSD and depression. The goal was to help them cope better and reintegrate into civilian life. The workshop focused on practical ski…

This study tested a one-time pain management class for youth ages 10 to 18 with chronic pain. The class taught kids about pain science and simple skills to help manage their pain. Researchers checked if the class was easy to use and liked by participants, and tracked pain levels …

This study tested a version of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy designed for older Black adults (age 50+) who have both chronic pain and depression. The goal was to see if this approach could improve quality of life and reduce pain interference. The study enrolled 12 participa…

This study tested two different telehealth programs for people with chronic pain: an online self-guided program and live sessions with a health coach by phone or video. Over 2,300 adults took part to see if these approaches could meaningfully reduce pain severity. The goal was to…

This study tested whether giving adults with chronic pain a user guide and weekly reminders for an online pain-management resource helps them become more active and sleep better, compared to just giving access to the resource alone. 99 people took part over 8 weeks, using a Fitbi…

This study looked at two methods to prevent chronic pain after thyroid removal: a nerve block (superficial cervical plexus block) and the drug ketamine. 69 adults having thyroid surgery were randomly assigned to one of the two treatments. The main goal was to see which approach b…

This study tested a non-invasive device that sends mild electrical pulses to the ear to stimulate the vagus nerve, which helps control pain and stress. Thirty adults with fibromyalgia used the device or a placebo for 30 minutes daily, five days a week, for four weeks. Researchers…

This study tested whether the medication acetazolamide can improve sleep-disordered breathing in 39 adults with chronic pain who use opioids. Participants took either acetazolamide or a placebo for one week to compare changes in sleep apnea severity. The goal is to find an altern…

This study tested whether community health workers (trained local helpers) can teach pain management skills to older adults in underserved urban areas. Over 400 mostly African American seniors received phone coaching and mobile health tools for 7 weeks. The goal was to see if thi…

This small study tested whether people with chronic pain and opioid problems would actually do art on their own at home, and if it helped their pain and mood. Thirty-one adults completed surveys before and after up to four art sessions. The results suggest that self-guided artmak…

This study tested a new program called Mindful Action for Pain (MAP) in 126 veterans with long-term pain. MAP combines daily mindfulness meditation with proven therapy techniques to help people live better despite pain. The goal was to see if it could reduce how much pain interfe…

This study tested a non-drug method to help people with phantom limb pain after amputation. Participants learned to change their brain responses using real-time feedback, aiming to reduce pain. The study included 20 adults with arm or leg amputations who had moderate to severe ph…

This study tested whether adding virtual reality (VR) to standard physical therapy helps teenagers with chronic musculoskeletal pain. 34 teens aged 10-17 used VR during their therapy sessions. The goal was to see if VR was easy and enjoyable to use, and whether it helped reduce f…

This study tested whether a numbing medicine injected near the chest wall could reduce the need for strong painkillers after heart surgery. 340 adults having open-heart surgery through a breastbone incision took part. Half received the nerve block with a local anesthetic, and the…

This study looked at whether adding yoga can help people with chronic pain who are already on medication for opioid use. About 192 participants took part in yoga classes and were assigned different extra supports to see what helps them practice more. The goal was to find the best…

This study tested a program that teaches mind-body skills (like deep breathing) and uses a Fitbit to encourage physical activity in 82 adults with long-term pain. The goal was to see if the program was practical and helpful for improving both physical and emotional well-being. Re…

This study tested a smartphone app and website called ICanCope with Pain for teens and young adults aged 15-25 who have chronic pain. The program helps users track pain, sleep, mood, and activity, set goals, and learn pain management skills. Researchers checked if the program was…

This study tested a smartphone app called DOZE that helps young adults (ages 18-25) with chronic pain and sleep problems learn skills to manage their symptoms. The app combines sleep medicine with self-management techniques. Researchers measured how well participants used the app…

This study compared an 8-week online yoga program to a standard physical exercise routine in 52 women with endometriosis. The goal was to see if yoga could reduce pain (like menstrual cramps and pain during sex) and improve daily life. Participants attended live video sessions an…

This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation method called tDCS can help relieve chronic pelvic pain in women with endometriosis. Thirty women who were already on hormone therapy and had daily pain scores above 4 out of 10 took part. The treatment involved several s…

This study looked at whether people with chronic non-cancer pain who take opioids daily can slowly reduce their dose without worsening pain or quality of life. 140 participants were split into two groups: one started tapering right away, the other waited 4 months. Researchers tra…

This study looked at whether doing yoga online can help reduce chronic pain. 94 adults with pain lasting more than 6 months took part in 8 weekly virtual yoga classes and did daily 30-minute yoga videos at home. Researchers measured changes in pain intensity, how much pain interf…

This study tested a school program called SocLaLola that uses comics to teach children aged 8 to 11 about pain and healthy habits. 82 students from two schools took part. The goal was to see if the program improved children's understanding of pain and reduced their fear of being …

This study tested two ways of teaching older adults with knee osteoarthritis about their pain. One group learned standard facts about the disease, while the other learned about how the brain and nerves process pain. Researchers measured whether the newer approach changed the body…

This study tested whether combining acupuncture with a gentle brain-stimulation technique (tDCS) can improve chronic low back pain. 116 adults with long-term back pain were split into four groups, receiving either real or fake versions of each treatment for one month. Researchers…

This study looked at whether slowly reducing opioid medications affects pain, quality of life, and mood in people with chronic non-cancer pain. Researchers compared those who tapered off opioids with those who kept taking their usual dose. The goal was to see if gradual reduction…

This study looked at how thinking too much about pain (rumination) affects mood after physical activity in people with fibromyalgia. 47 adults completed questionnaires about their emotions and pain before and after an activity. The goal was to see if rumination makes negative fee…

This study followed 477 women who had a cesarean delivery to learn more about persistent pain that can last for months or years. Researchers used text message surveys to track pain levels, how pain affects daily life, and medication use. The goal is to better understand who is at…

This study looked at whether the severity of central sensitization (a condition where the nervous system is overly sensitive to pain) affects how well steroid injections work for people with rotator cuff shoulder pain. Researchers measured pain sensitivity before treatment in 44 …

This study followed 204 adults who had a kidney removed to find out why some develop chronic pain lasting months or years. Researchers measured pain levels right after surgery, at 3 months, and at 1 year. They also looked at factors like age, smoking, and pain medicine use to ide…

This study tested whether a toolkit called Pain at Work (PAW) is practical and helpful for employees with long-term pain. Around 380 workers from different workplaces tried the toolkit or continued with their usual care. The goal was to see if a larger study is possible, not to p…

This study looked at 264 people with chronic back and leg pain to see if routine blood test results could predict who would benefit from a combined pain treatment (pulsed radiofrequency and steroid injection). Researchers analyzed markers of inflammation in the blood and compared…

This study looked at how spinal cord stimulation (SCS) affects the way chronic pain patients feel pain. 34 adults with long-term pain who already had SCS devices took part. Researchers tested different SCS settings to measure changes in pain perception, aiming to understand how t…

This study looked at whether the weekly wins or losses of a favorite NFL team affect chronic pain, mood, and negative thinking about pain. 32 adults with long-term back or neck pain who are avid football fans completed weekly surveys during the football season. The goal was to se…

This study looked at whether a type of talk therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) works for veterans who also have serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. 47 veterans took part to see if the therapy was acceptable and helpf…

This study looked at 84 adults with long-term neck pain to understand how central sensitization (when the nervous system becomes overly sensitive) relates to pain intensity, sleep quality, and jaw function. Participants completed questionnaires about their pain, disability, and j…

This study looked at whether adding mindfulness training to physical therapy is a practical way to help people with long-term muscle and joint pain who also take opioids. Researchers trained physical therapists in mindfulness and then checked how well they could teach these skill…

This study screened over 4,000 people to see if genetic testing could help doctors choose better medicines for depression, acute pain, or chronic pain. Participants were randomly assigned to get genetic-guided treatment right away or after six months. The goal was to learn whethe…

This study tested whether doctors in primary care clinics would use simple decision guides (algorithms) to address opioid misuse behaviors in patients with chronic pain. 49 clinicians participated over 6-9 months. The goal was to see if the guides were easy to use and acceptable,…

This study checked if people with long-term pain of unknown cause might have Fabry disease, a rare inherited disorder that can damage organs. Researchers tested 776 patients aged 6 to 80 from pain clinics across France. The goal was to see how often Fabry disease appears in this …

This study gathered real-world information from 73 adults with chronic pain who were using or planning to use an approved medical device for pain relief. Researchers tracked changes in pain levels and other patient-reported outcomes to understand how these treatments work in ever…

This study looked at 200 adults who had back surgery more than 6 months ago but still have chronic back or leg pain. The goal was to collect detailed information to better understand this condition, called Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). By identifying key features and patte…

This study followed over 2,300 adults from urban areas of Chile for one year to learn more about chronic pain and its effects. Researchers looked at how pain relates to depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and work stress. The goal was to better understand the burden of chronic p…

This study looked at 116 adults with chronic pain to understand how their beliefs about pain, spirituality, and views on complementary medicine (like acupuncture or herbs) are connected. Participants filled out questionnaires about their pain beliefs, spiritual well-being, and at…

This study looked at whether the type of anesthesia used during hernia surgery affects pain levels right after surgery and in the long term. Ten men having hernia repair were randomly assigned to receive either total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) or inhaled anesthesia. Researcher…

This study looked at how oxytocin, a natural brain hormone, changes the way people feel pain from heat. Twenty-five healthy adults and people with chronic pain rated their pain during skin heating before, during, and after receiving oxytocin through an IV. The goal was to create …

This study looked at whether wearable devices and digital surveys can help predict how well spinal cord stimulation works for chronic pain. 28 adults with long-term pain wore devices and answered surveys before and after getting a spinal cord stimulator implant. The goal was to s…

This study looked at how the way a physiotherapist talks about virtual reality (VR) affects what people with chronic pain think and expect about their treatment. 115 adults with chronic muscle or joint pain watched an educational video about VR that used either positive (placebo)…

This pilot study tested a program called STEPPT to see if it could reduce differences in how often Hispanic and non-Hispanic White patients with back or neck pain are referred to and attend physical therapy. 144 adults from a community health clinic took part. Researchers measure…

This study followed 392 adults who had planned surgeries to map their pain levels each day for a week. The goal was to see if early pain patterns could predict who develops chronic pain three months later. Researchers used simple pain scores and questionnaires to gather data, aim…

This study aimed to find out if certain patient characteristics and risk factors can predict chronic pain after lower back surgery. Researchers studied 158 adults who had lumbar spine surgery, measuring pain severity, disability, and other health factors. The goal was to better u…

This study looked at how often anxiety occurs in Polish adults with long-term low back pain. Researchers surveyed 202 people using a standard anxiety questionnaire. The goal was simply to measure the problem, not to test a treatment. Results show how many people experience mild, …