Magic mushroom compound tested for back pain relief

NCT ID NCT05351541

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.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CHRONIC LOW-BACK PAIN are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of California San Francisco

    San Francisco, California, 94107, United States