Brain scans reveal why quitting smoking hurts more for chronic pain sufferers

NCT ID NCT06983678

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at how quitting smoking temporarily increases pain in people with chronic pain, and how the brain processes this. Researchers will use brain scans and daily reports from 132 smokers—some with chronic back pain, some without—to understand these changes. The goal is to find ways to help people with chronic pain quit smoking more successfully.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to

If successful, this research could guide the development of better smoking-cessation programs tailored for people with chronic pain.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not directly lead to new therapies, and results may not apply to all smokers with chronic pain.

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome nicotine dependence Tobacco Use

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Duke North Pavilion

    RECRUITING

    Durham, North Carolina, 27705, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••