Brain scans reveal Pain's hidden signature in neural circuits

NCT ID NCT05763758

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 17, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026

Summary

This study uses brain scans (MRI, EEG, MEG) to see how pain alters communication between the thalamus and cortex. Researchers will compare healthy adults and people with chronic low back pain. The goal is to map the brain changes that happen with both short-term and long-lasting pain.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this could reveal how pain alters brain communication, pointing toward new targets for pain treatments.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not directly lead to therapies, and findings may not apply to all pain types.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Low Back Pain Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

EXPERIMENTAL PAIN LOW BACK PAIN

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida, 323060000, United States
Massachusetts General Hospital

Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, United States

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