CHRONIC PAIN

This study tested whether medical cannabis could help people with chronic pain reduce or stop their use of opioid painkillers. Researchers followed 29 patients who were on long-term opioids and qualified for medical cannabis in Pennsylvania. Over six months, they tracked particip…

This study tested a computer-based decision support tool designed to help doctors and patients work together on chronic pain treatment plans. It involved 39 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and a history of opioid use from primary care clinics. The main goal was to see …

This small pilot study from the Mayo Clinic aimed to see if people with chronic non-cancer pain could have their opioid medication dose very slowly reduced without making their pain, mood, or daily life worse. It compared a slow tapering plan to continuing the usual opioid dose. …

This study tested if adding a simple neck injection to a standard PTSD therapy could make the therapy work better. Researchers compared the standard therapy alone to the therapy combined with either a real or a fake (placebo) injection. The goal was to see if the combination coul…

This study tested a smartphone-based program designed to help people who experience chronic pain and also drink heavily. Researchers wanted to see if the app was easy to use and acceptable to patients, including those in rural areas. The goal was to provide an accessible tool tha…

This study tested a voluntary program to help people with chronic pain safely reduce their long-term opioid medication use. Fifty-one patients worked with their doctor on a personalized, slow reduction plan over four months. Researchers wanted to see if patients could lower their…

This study tested a new set of step-by-step guidelines to help primary care doctors better respond to concerning opioid use behaviors in their chronic pain patients. Researchers worked with 49 doctors to see if these guidelines were practical to use and acceptable in real clinics…

This study developed and tested a mobile website designed to help veterans safely reduce their long-term opioid use for chronic pain. The tool provides support and strategies for tapering medication while managing pain. Researchers compared the new website to a basic pain-trackin…

This study tested whether providing discounted medical cannabis capsules to adults with chronic pain could help them reduce their use of opioid painkillers. Researchers enrolled 270 people who were already certified for medical cannabis and using opioids. Participants received di…

This small, completed study tested if a single large dose of vitamin D, given right after a serious burn, could prevent patients from developing long-lasting chronic pain. Researchers gave 40 adult burn patients either vitamin D or a placebo pill and tracked their pain, medicatio…

This study tested two different methods to prevent patients from developing long-term pain after thyroid surgery. Researchers compared a local nerve block (an injection that numbs the neck area) against a dose of the drug ketamine given before surgery. The goal was to see which a…

This study compared two antidepressant medications, duloxetine and desipramine, to see which one works better for reducing chronic pain. Researchers followed 86 adults with long-term pain for six months, measuring their pain levels, physical function, and mood. The goal was to fi…

This study tested a 'Pain at Work' toolkit designed to help employees with chronic pain better manage their condition while on the job. Researchers wanted to see if the toolkit, sometimes paired with therapist phone calls, was practical and acceptable for workplaces and employees…

This study tested a new 8-week group program called Mindful Action for Pain (MAP) for veterans with long-term pain. The program combined daily mindfulness meditation with other psychological strategies. Researchers compared it to standard therapy to see if it was practical to stu…

This study tested whether a talk therapy program for chronic pain is practical and helpful for veterans who also have serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Researchers worked with 47 veterans to see if they could successfully participate in the therapy …

This study tested whether giving nitrous oxide (laughing gas) during surgery could help reduce pain and the need for strong painkillers afterward. It focused on patients who were already taking long-term opioid medication and were having a vertebroplasty procedure to treat spine …

This study tested whether a gentle, non-invasive electrical stimulation applied to the ear could help people with fibromyalgia. Thirty participants received either real or fake stimulation for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, over four weeks. Researchers measured changes in pa…

This study tested whether adding different support tools to standard yoga classes could help people practice yoga more often. It involved 192 adults with chronic pain who were also receiving medication treatment for opioid use. The goal was to find the best combination of support…

This study tested whether a new, longer-lasting lidocaine injection (called ST-01) works better than standard lidocaine shots to reduce chronic scrotal pain in men. 63 men with pain lasting over 3 months received up to four injections, one every 28 days. The main goal was to see …

This study tested two different at-home digital programs to see which one works better for managing chronic pain. Researchers mailed either a virtual reality headset or a smartphone app manual to 330 adults with chronic pain living in rural areas. Participants used their assigned…

This study tested a one-time class designed to teach pain science and coping skills to youth (ages 10-18) with chronic pain. The goal was to see if the class was practical to run and acceptable to young participants. Researchers also checked if the class might help reduce how muc…

This study tested whether a wearable device that plays specific light and sound patterns could help reduce chronic nerve pain. Seventy-five adults with neuropathic pain used the device at home for 8-14 weeks. Researchers compared the real device to a fake one to see if it improve…

This study tested two different programs to help veterans with long-term, daily pain. It compared a personalized 'Whole Health Team' coaching program against standard group education classes and regular doctor visits. The goal was to see which approach better reduced pain's impac…

This study tested whether a mental training program could help people with long-term neck pain. Thirty-four participants, half with chronic neck pain and half without, practiced a specific type of mental imagery for four weeks. Researchers measured their pain levels, fear of move…

This study tested whether a compassion meditation program could help Veterans who have both chronic pain and conditions like PTSD or depression. Researchers compared the meditation program to a standard health education course to see which was better at reducing pain interference…

This study tested whether an 8-week online yoga program could help reduce pain and improve quality of life for women with endometriosis. It compared the yoga program to a standard online exercise program. The goal was to see if yoga offered better relief for common symptoms like …

This study explored whether Tai Chi, a gentle mind-body exercise, could help adults living with HIV manage their chronic pain. Researchers tested the program's feasibility and how well it was received by participants, comparing it to a general health education course. The goal wa…

This study explored whether offering adults with chronic pain non-drug options like massage, yoga, chiropractic, or physical therapy via video calls could help them manage their pain and potentially use fewer opioid medications. A small group of 21 participants chose two therapie…

This study tested whether a local anesthetic block, given through small tubes near the breastbone, could reduce the need for strong opioid painkillers after open-heart surgery. Researchers compared the anesthetic to a saltwater placebo in 340 patients. The main goal was to see if…

This study tested whether an 8-week group mindfulness program could help people with long-term low back pain. 451 participants were randomly assigned to either receive their usual doctor's care or their usual care plus the mindfulness classes. Researchers measured changes in pain…

This study tested whether a mindfulness training program could help veterans struggling with both chronic pain and thoughts of suicide. 76 veterans were randomly assigned to either the mindfulness program or an educational control group. Researchers measured if the program was pr…

This study tested whether Cognitive Functional Therapy works better than conventional physical therapy for adults with chronic neck pain. Sixty participants received either the new mind-body approach or standard treatment twice weekly for eight weeks. Researchers measured changes…

This study tested whether training the brain using real-time feedback could reduce phantom limb pain in people with amputations. Twenty participants with chronic phantom pain completed sessions where they received visual feedback about their brain's responses to gentle stimulatio…

This study compared two treatments for people with long-term, unexplained neck pain. One hundred adults tried either a specific exercise program or a treatment called percutaneous neuromodulation, which uses a fine needle to deliver gentle electrical pulses to nerves. The goal wa…

This study tested whether phone-based therapy could help veterans with chronic pain who also feel lonely. Researchers compared two types of therapy: one focused specifically on loneliness and another focused on pain management. The goal was to see if reducing loneliness could als…

This study tested which of two steroid injection methods works better to relieve pain and improve hand function in people with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. 63 participants were randomly assigned to receive either an ultrasound-guided injection directly at the wrist, a…

This study tested a new telehealth program designed to help rural veterans manage chronic pain. The program taught mind-body skills like mindfulness and pain-specific exercises. Researchers wanted to see if the program was practical and acceptable to veterans before planning a la…

This study tested two different online therapy programs designed to help people manage chronic pain. Over 2,300 adults with persistent pain tried either a self-guided online program or live virtual sessions with a health coach, comparing both to standard care. Researchers wanted …

This study tested whether an 8-week virtual yoga program could help people with long-term chronic pain. Researchers enrolled 94 adults who had experienced pain for over six months to participate in weekly online yoga sessions and daily home practice. The main goal was to see if t…

This study tested whether a mindfulness-based group therapy program, originally developed in Canada, could be successfully run for teenagers with chronic pain in France. The main goal was to see if the program was practical and if teens would attend the sessions. Researchers also…

This study looked at whether the type of anesthesia used during hernia surgery affects how much pain patients feel afterward, both in the short term and long term. Male patients having hernia repair were randomly assigned to receive one of two common anesthesia methods. Researche…

This study tested whether a short, three-session virtual program could help reduce symptoms for people living with both chronic pain and a history of stressful or traumatic experiences. It enrolled 50 adults who had chronic pain and a significant history of trauma. The main goal …

This study tested a new 10-week education program designed specifically to help Korean Americans manage chronic pain. Researchers worked with the community to adapt existing pain management techniques to be more culturally relevant. The goal was to see if the program was practica…

This study tested whether combining traditional acupuncture with a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique (tDCS) could provide better pain relief for people with chronic low back pain. Researchers enrolled 116 adults with long-term back pain to receive different combina…

This study tested a program that teaches relaxation and mindfulness skills to help people manage chronic pain. Researchers wanted to see if adding a fitness tracker to the program made it more helpful. They enrolled 82 adults with long-term pain to try the program and see if it w…

This study compared two procedures for people with chronic low back pain specifically coming from the sacroiliac joint. Fifty-one patients received either cryoablation (freezing the nerves) or endoscopic denervation (cutting the nerves) to see which was better at reducing pain an…

This study tested whether a medication called acetazolamide could improve breathing problems during sleep for people with chronic pain who use opioid medications. The goal was to find an alternative for those who cannot use the standard CPAP machine treatment. In this completed P…

This study tested whether combining a non-opioid medication (duloxetine) with a web-based pain-coping skills training program could help people better manage chronic musculoskeletal pain. It involved 280 adults with daily pain lasting at least three months. Researchers also wante…

This study tested whether a mind-body walking program is a practical option to help adults with long-term muscle and bone pain. Researchers compared the walking program to a general health education course to see if people could stick with it and if it was well-liked. The main go…

This study tested whether adults with chronic pain get better results when they receive guidance on using online pain-management resources, compared to just having access to the resources. 99 participants used a fitness tracker and online tools for 8 weeks to see if guided suppor…

This study aimed to find out if a specific, low-level setting on an implanted nerve stimulator provides real pain relief, or if the benefit is just a placebo effect. It involved 20 adults with chronic nerve pain who already had the device and were getting good results. Researcher…

This study explored a new approach to help people with long-term muscle and bone pain who take opioid painkillers. Researchers tested if training physical therapists to use mindfulness techniques during therapy could help patients manage pain better and potentially use fewer opio…

This study tested whether a single-day group workshop could help veterans dealing with the combined effects of mild brain injury, chronic pain, PTSD, depression, or anxiety. The workshop taught life skills to help manage distress and improve daily functioning, aiming to be more a…

This small pilot study tested a culturally adapted mindfulness program for older Black adults who experience both chronic pain and early memory concerns. The goal was to see if the program was practical and acceptable to participants, and to prepare for a larger future study. Res…

This study tested whether a website called Rose, which provides therapeutic hypnosis recordings, could help adults manage chronic pain. One hundred participants with chronic pain used the app for 8 weeks while reporting on their pain levels, sleep, and mental health. The main goa…

This study compared two Korean medicine approaches for treating chronic neck pain. 128 adults with neck pain lasting over 3 months were randomly assigned to receive either traditional acupuncture or pharmacopuncture (injections of herbal extracts). The goal was to see which treat…

This study tested a new device called the Human Regenerator Jet, which uses a form of cold plasma, to see if it could improve quality of life. It involved 40 adults in Greece who had conditions like chronic stress, pain, fatigue, or Long-COVID. Participants received either the re…

This study tested whether a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS could help reduce chronic pelvic pain in women with endometriosis. Thirty women with confirmed endometriosis and significant daily pain received the stimulation treatment over several weeks. …

This was a small pilot study to see if it's practical to run a larger trial on medical cannabis for chronic pain. It tested whether oral cannabis oils (CBD alone or CBD with THC) could help reduce how much pain interferes with daily life and lower opioid use. The main goal was to…

This study tested whether using virtual reality (VR) is a practical and acceptable way to help teenagers with long-lasting muscle and bone pain. Researchers wanted to see if combining VR with standard physical therapy could help teens move better and feel less afraid of pain. The…

This study compared two ways of educating older adults with knee osteoarthritis about their pain. One group received standard education about joint disease, while another learned about the complex biology of pain itself. Researchers measured the body's physical stress responses, …

This study aimed to find the most effective sequence of non-drug treatments for adults with chronic low back pain. It tested whether starting with physical therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy worked best. For people who didn't improve with their first treatment, it then teste…

This small, completed study explored whether people with chronic pain and opioid use disorder would use simple, self-guided art kits at home. Researchers gave 31 participants kits for activities like mandala painting and weaving to see if the practice could provide temporary reli…

This study tested a non-drug treatment for veterans suffering from both chronic pain and PTSD. Researchers combined a painless brain stimulation device (tDCS) with a therapy program to see if it could reduce pain and mental health symptoms. They also collected blood and saliva sa…

This study tested whether Ericksonian hypnosis could help reduce chronic pain in people with Parkinson's disease. Thirty-three participants were divided into two groups: one received a two-month hypnosis program, while the other received standard care. Researchers measured change…

This study tested an online program called 'Empowered Relief' designed to help people who have chronic pain and misuse prescription opioids. Researchers compared the skills-based program to a general health education course to see which was better at reducing pain and opioid crav…

This small pilot study tested a culturally adapted mindfulness therapy program for older Black adults living with both chronic pain and depression. The main goal was to see if the program was practical and acceptable to participants, and to gather initial information on whether i…

This study tested whether a simple, 4-week program combining pain education with a pedometer-guided walking plan could help veterans manage chronic pain while they are also receiving treatment for opioid addiction. The goal was to see if this approach was practical and acceptable…

This small pilot study tested a new program designed to help older adults who have both long-term pain and mild memory problems. Participants received weekly phone calls from a health coach and watched educational videos to learn pain management skills. Researchers wanted to see …

This study tested whether a 7-week program using educational podcasts and sessions with a community health worker could help older adults better manage their chronic pain. Forty participants aged 50+ who experienced daily pain that limited their activities were randomly assigned …

This study aimed to understand if a condition called 'central sensitization'—where the nervous system becomes overly sensitive to pain—affects how well steroid injections work for chronic shoulder pain. Researchers followed 44 adults with rotator cuff pain who received a standard…

This study tested a school program called 'SocLaLola' that uses a comic book story to teach children aged 8-11 about pain science and healthy habits. Researchers compared it to a standard program about reducing sitting time to see which was better at improving kids' knowledge abo…

This study looked at how the way a physical therapist talks about virtual reality (VR) treatment affects what patients with chronic pain believe about it. Researchers showed 115 participants different educational videos where the therapist's language was either positive (placebo)…

This study aimed to understand how the hormone oxytocin affects pain when given through an IV. Researchers tested 25 healthy volunteers and people with knee arthritis by applying heat to their skin and measuring pain levels before, during, and after receiving oxytocin. The goal w…

This study followed over 2,300 adults in Chile for one year to understand how common chronic pain is and how it connects to mental health, loneliness, and work stress. Researchers called participants to track their pain levels, mood, sleep, and daily life impact over 12 months. T…

This study aimed to understand how spinal cord stimulation devices affect pain processing in people with chronic pain. Researchers observed 34 patients who were already using these devices as part of their regular medical care. They measured how repeated pain signals built up ove…

This study aimed to understand how pain changes in the first week after surgery and see if those patterns can help predict who might develop long-term chronic pain. Researchers followed 392 patients who had various planned surgeries, tracking their daily pain levels. The goal was…

This study aimed to understand the connections between what people with chronic pain believe about their pain, their spiritual well-being, and their attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine (like acupuncture or herbal remedies). Researchers surveyed 116 adults with…

This study aimed to understand why some people develop long-lasting pain after kidney removal surgery. Researchers followed 204 patients for a year, tracking their pain levels and many personal and surgical details. The goal was to identify which factors increase the risk of chro…

This study aimed to understand why some people develop long-lasting chronic pain after back surgery, a condition known as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. Researchers followed 158 people, including surgery candidates, those with existing chronic pain after surgery, and healthy volun…

This study aims to better understand and identify patients with chronic pain that continues after back surgery, a condition called Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). Researchers followed 200 adults with persistent pain for over 6 months after surgery to collect detailed informa…

This study looked at whether adding surgical glue (Dermabond) to the standard stitches helps keep temporary spinal cord stimulator leads from moving. The leads are thin wires placed near the spine to test if electrical stimulation can relieve chronic pain. Researchers measured ho…

This study explored whether how people think about their pain affects their mood after physical activity. Researchers compared two thinking strategies in 47 adults with fibromyalgia: focusing on the pain (rumination) versus focusing on something else (distraction). They measured …

This study looked at 84 adults with long-term neck pain to understand how an overly sensitive nervous system (central sensitization) connects to their pain levels, disability, sleep problems, and jaw function. It was an observational study, meaning researchers only analyzed past …

This study followed 477 women in Denmark to understand how common and severe long-term pain is after a cesarean delivery. Researchers sent text message questionnaires over months and years to track pain levels and how pain affects daily life, sleep, mood, and caring for the baby.…