Drug-Free pain relief for sickle cell disease shows promise

NCT ID NCT04906447

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Illinois at Chicago Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether guided relaxation and acupuncture can reduce chronic pain and opioid use in adults with sickle cell disease. About 360 participants across three health centers were randomly assigned to one of these therapies or usual care. The goal was to see if these mind-body approaches help people cope better with pain and improve their quality of life.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: guided relaxation and acupuncture
What this could lead to: If effective, these drug-free therapies could provide a safe, non-opioid way to manage chronic sickle cell pain and improve daily function.
What could go wrong: This is a completed Phase 2 trial, so results are still preliminary. The therapies may not work for everyone, and individual responses can vary.

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.

sickle cell disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SICKLE CELL DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina, 22710, United States
Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland, 21218, United States
University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida, 32610, United States
University of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States

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