Can turning off a pain device reveal how it works?

NCT ID NCT05661903

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 20, 2026 · Last updated Aug 21, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study investigates how spinal cord stimulation, a device implanted to treat chronic back, leg, neck, or arm pain, affects the nervous system. Adults with a stable implant will have their device turned on or off for two-week intervals, and some will undergo brain imaging. The goal is to understand the underlying mechanisms of pain relief, which could help refine future treatments.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Spinal cord stimulation (turned on vs. off) and PET/MRI imaging
What this could lead to: If successful, this could reveal how spinal cord stimulation relieves chronic pain, potentially improving treatment protocols and patient selection.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage mechanistic study, not a treatment trial. Results may not directly translate to better outcomes, and imaging is only in a subset of patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CHRONIC 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 chronic pain syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHRONIC PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
Brigham and Women's Hospital
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
Massachusetts General Hospital
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

More trials for these conditions

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