CHRONIC PAIN

This study tested a new method for starting buprenorphine (a medication for opioid use disorder) that avoids the usual withdrawal symptoms. Instead of stopping all opioids first, patients started with very low doses of buprenorphine while still taking their regular opioids. The s…

This small study aimed to see if buprenorphine could control chronic pain and prevent withdrawal in people already dependent on opioid pain medications. Only 4 people enrolled before the study was stopped. The goal was to improve pain and quality of life without withdrawal sympto…

This study looked at whether adding guanfacine (a blood pressure medicine) to morphine could reduce pain sensitivity in people with chronic neck or back pain. Researchers planned to enroll 137 adults who had not taken opioids recently. The study was terminated early, so results a…

This study compared a six-week digital home exercise program (SimpleTherapy) to standard physical therapy for people with chronic knee osteoarthritis pain. Researchers wanted to see if the at-home program was just as effective at improving knee symptoms and function. The study en…

This small study looked at whether guanfacine, a drug usually used for high blood pressure, could help reverse the increased pain sensitivity that can happen with long-term opioid use. It involved 8 adults with chronic neck or back pain who were already taking opioids. The goal w…

This early-stage study tested a new drug called Kindolor tosylate in 16 healthy adults to find a safe dose and see how the body processes it. Participants received either the drug or a placebo and underwent medical tests to check for side effects. The study was terminated early, …

This study looked at why some people have ongoing pain after a specific type of heart surgery for irregular heartbeat (hybrid ablation). Researchers surveyed 43 patients who had the surgery at UZ Brussels to see how many had pain three months later and what factors—like painkille…

This study aimed to understand how paresthesia-free spinal cord stimulation (PF-SCS) relieves chronic pain and affects sensation. Researchers planned to test 10 adults already using PF-SCS for chronic pain, comparing their usual settings to a lower-intensity program. The study wa…

This study aimed to understand if a psychological approach could help people with chronic pain who take opioid medications. Researchers tested whether teaching patients to change their negative thoughts about pain (called 'pain catastrophizing') could reduce their cravings for op…