Can a sugar pill and meditation ease chronic pain? new study investigates
NCT ID NCT06720909
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at whether combining mindfulness training (MBSR) with an open-label placebo—a pill that patients know has no active drug—is a practical way to help people with chronic pain. Researchers will randomly assign 45 adults to receive either mindfulness alone, the placebo alone, or both together. The main goal is to see if people stick with the treatments and find them acceptable, not yet to measure 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
open-label placebo (sugar pill with no hidden deception)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to improve chronic pain management by combining mind-body techniques with honest placebo use.
What could go wrong
This is a very early feasibility study with only 45 participants. It is not designed to prove the treatment works, only that it can be done. Results may not apply to everyone with chronic pain.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Arizona State University
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGPhoenix, Arizona, 85004, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
Contact
Contact
Contact
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Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix Campus
RECRUITINGPhoenix, Arizona, 85004, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••