Can sound waves soothe pain and cravings? new trial investigates

NCT ID NCT06297200

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study is testing whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) — a noninvasive device that sends sound waves to the brain — can help people with chronic back pain, opioid cravings, and anxiety. Researchers will enroll 25 adults and measure safety, mood, heart rate, and other changes. The goal is to see if this gentle brain stimulation could ease multiple symptoms at once.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (LIFU) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a noninvasive brain stimulation option to help manage chronic pain, opioid cravings, and anxiety together.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small study (25 people) focused on safety and basic effects, so results may not apply broadly. The treatment is still experimental and may not provide lasting relief.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANXIETY DISORDER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome opiate dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANXIETY DISORDER CHRONIC PAIN OPIOID-USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
RECRUITING

Roanoke, Virginia, 24016, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.