Mind over pain: meditation studied as opioid alternative

NCT ID NCT05607381

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Utah Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 28, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether mindfulness meditation can change how the brain processes pain in people with chronic low back pain who use opioids. Researchers will measure brain activity and pain ratings in 150 adults after 8 meditation sessions. The goal is to understand the brain mechanisms behind meditation-based pain relief.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: meditation training
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to ease chronic low back pain and reduce reliance on opioids.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study focused on brain mechanisms, not a proven treatment. Results may not lead to a widely available therapy.

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 opioid abuse

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LOW BACK PAIN OPIOID USE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention Development
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108, United States
University of California, San Diego
RECRUITING

La Jolla, California, 92093, United States

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