Can acupuncture ease sickle cell pain? new study investigates
NCT ID NCT05045820
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at whether acupuncture can help manage chronic pain in people with sickle cell disease. Researchers will use brain scans and other tests to understand how acupuncture affects pain signals. The study involves 60 participants aged 14 to 80 who have sickle cell disease and ongoing pain.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
acupuncture (needling and laser)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to manage chronic pain in sickle cell disease.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study (60 people) focused on measuring brain changes, not yet proving long-term pain relief. Acupuncture effects can vary widely between individuals.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46075, United States