Drug-Free pain relief for sickle cell disease shows promise
NCT ID NCT04906447
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.
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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Duke University
Durham, North Carolina, 22710, United States
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Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
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Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland, 21218, United States
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University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, 32610, United States
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University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States