Magic mushroom compound tested for back pain relief

NCT ID NCT05351541

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Joshua Woolley, MD, PhD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This small, early-stage trial tests whether psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) can help people cope with chronic low back pain. Thirty adults who have tried other treatments without success will receive a dose of psilocybin, possibly combined with other drugs, in a supervised setting. The study measures how pain affects daily activities like walking, mood, and sleep.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: psilocybin (a psychedelic drug) given with or without modafinil or zolpidem
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to manage chronic low back pain that doesn't rely on daily painkillers.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-phase trial with only 30 people. It's designed to test feasibility and preliminary effects, not to prove effectiveness. Psychedelic therapy also carries risks like temporary anxiety or confusion during the session.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Chronic Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHRONIC LOW-BACK PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of California San Francisco

San Francisco, California, 94107, United States

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