Brain training for the spine: a new way to fight nerve pain?

NCT ID NCT05492188

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether training a spinal reflex can reduce neuropathic pain in people with spinal cord injury. Fifteen participants will undergo about 50 sessions of reflex training over 6.5 months. The goal is to see if changing this reflex can lower pain and improve sensation.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: reflex training (operant conditioning of cutaneous reflexes)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a non-drug way to reduce chronic pain after spinal cord injury.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early study with only 15 people. The training requires 50 visits over months, so it may be hard to stick with. Results may not apply to everyone.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

nervous system injury neuralgia Pain spinal cord injury

As listed by the trial registrant

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

NEUROLOGICAL INJURY NEUROPATHIC PAIN PAIN SPINAL CORD INJURIES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Medical University of South Carolina
RECRUITING

Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States

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