CHRONIC PAIN

This study looked at whether giving adults with chronic pain discounted vouchers for medical cannabis could help them reduce their use of opioid painkillers. About 270 people who already had medical cannabis certification took part. The goal was to see if offering cheaper cannabi…

This study looked at whether medical cannabis can help people with chronic pain cut down on opioid medications. 29 patients who wanted to reduce their opioid use but couldn't afford medical cannabis were given access to it. Over five months, doctors tracked their pain levels and …

This study looked at whether adding mental health services and a clinical pharmacist to primary care could help people with chronic pain, anxiety, or depression use opioids more safely. About 490 adults who were already taking opioids for long-term pain took part. The program aim…

This study tested a web-based program that combines cognitive behavioral therapy with pain self-management for 160 adults who have both opioid use disorder and chronic pain and are taking methadone or buprenorphine. The program teaches coping skills and uses daily text surveys to…

This pilot study tested whether giving vitamin D shortly after a burn injury can prevent chronic pain. Forty adults with moderate-to-severe burns took either vitamin D or a placebo. Researchers checked safety, pain levels, and immune system changes over 6 months.

This study tested whether adding a stellate ganglion block (a numbing injection in the neck) to cognitive processing therapy helps reduce PTSD and chronic pain more than therapy alone. Sixty adults with PTSD took part. The goal was to see if the combination improves symptoms bett…

This study tested a brief, three-session program for people with chronic pain and a history of stressful or traumatic experiences. The goal was to see if the program was practical and helpful. 50 adults participated virtually. The study focused on whether people would join, compl…

This study tested a non-drug approach to help people with phantom limb pain after amputation. Participants learned to change their brain responses through real-time feedback, aiming to reduce pain. The study included 20 adults with arm or leg amputations and measured pain levels …

This study looked at 351 adults with inguinal hernia who had keyhole surgery (TAPP). Doctors compared using 3 stitches versus 1 stitch to hold the mesh in place. The goal was to see which method caused less pain, fewer fluid collections (seroma), and fewer hernia comebacks over a…

This study tested whether adding virtual reality (VR) to standard physiotherapy helps teenagers with long-term muscle or bone pain. 34 teens aged 10-17 tried the VR program, which included fun exercises and goal-setting. Researchers measured how often they used VR, how much they …

This study tested whether a low-level electrical stimulation of nerves near the spine (DRG stimulation) can reduce chronic pain better than a placebo (sham). Twenty adults who already have a DRG stimulator implanted took part. Each person received both active stimulation and sham…

This study tested a 4-week mental imagery training program in 34 adults (17 with chronic neck pain, 17 healthy). The training aimed to improve pain, movement fear, body awareness, and brain activity. Results will show if this simple, non-drug approach can change brain waves and r…

This study tested whether a mindfulness meditation program, originally developed in Canada, could work for French teenagers aged 12-17 with chronic pain. The main goal was to see if teens would attend enough sessions (at least 6 out of 8). Researchers also looked at effects on pa…

This study looked at whether playing music during common back pain treatments (like steroid injections) can help lower patients' pain and anxiety. 30 adults with chronic lower back pain took part. Researchers measured anxiety and pain levels before and after the procedure to see …

This study tested whether giving adults with chronic pain a user guide and weekly prompts for an online pain-management resource helps them become more active and sleep better, compared to just giving them access to the resource alone. 99 adults with chronic pain for at least 3 m…

This study tested a group breathwork program for adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain (like back or neck pain lasting at least 3 months). 35 people participated to see if the program was practical, liked by patients, and could help reduce pain intensity and how much pain inte…

This study tested a web-based hypnosis app called Rose in 100 adults with chronic pain (including low back pain). Over 8 weeks, participants used the app and reported on pain, satisfaction, and usability. The goal was to see if the app is user-friendly and effective at improving …

This study tested a program that teaches people with chronic muscle and joint pain how to cope better using education, gentle movement, and mental strategies. 169 adults took part, comparing the program to usual care. The goal was to see if it reduces pain-related disability, fea…

This study looked at a targeted drug delivery system (a pain pump) versus standard pain pills for people with severe cancer pain. It included 30 adults whose pain was not controlled by high doses of opioids or who had bad side effects. The goal was to see if the pump could better…

This study tested whether community health workers (trained local helpers) could teach older adults in underserved areas how to better manage chronic pain. Over 400 mostly African American seniors received phone coaching and mobile health tools for 7 weeks. The goal was to see if…

This small pilot study tested a mindfulness-based therapy adapted for older Black adults (age 50+) who have both chronic pain and early memory decline. The goal was to see if the program could improve quality of life and reduce how much pain interferes with daily activities. Nine…

This study tested a painless brain stimulation treatment called tDCS in 38 veterans with chronic pain, PTSD, and depression. The treatment uses low-level electrical currents to calm overactive pain and stress circuits in the brain. Researchers wanted to see if adding tDCS to stan…

This study tested a program that combines mind-body skills (like deep breathing and relaxation) with a Fitbit activity tracker to help people with long-term pain. 82 adults with chronic pain took part in weekly sessions and wore the device. The goal was to see if the program was …

This pilot study tested whether a mindfulness program is acceptable and helpful for veterans with chronic pain who are also at risk for suicide. 76 veterans took part. The goal was to see if the program could reduce pain-related disability and suicide risk. Results will show if t…

This study tested whether Ericksonian hypnosis can reduce chronic pain in people with Parkinson's disease. 33 adults were split into two groups: one received hypnosis sessions for 2 months, the other got usual care. Researchers measured pain intensity and other pain-related score…

This study tested two methods to prevent chronic pain after thyroid removal: a nerve block (freezing neck nerves) or a drug called ketamine. 69 adults having thyroid surgery were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. The main goal was to see which approach better reduced ne…

This study tested whether an 8-week online yoga program could reduce pain and improve quality of life in women with endometriosis. 52 women participated, comparing yoga to a conventional physical exercise program. The goal was to see if yoga offers a gentle, accessible way to man…

This study tested a one-time pain management class for 110 youth aged 10 to 18 with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia or abdominal pain. The class taught pain science and self-regulation skills. Researchers checked if the class was easy to use and if it helped reduce how …

This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation method called tDCS can reduce chronic pelvic pain in women with endometriosis. Thirty women who were already on hormone therapy and had daily pain scores above 4 out of 10 took part. They received multiple tDCS sessions o…

This study looked at whether a type of talk therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) works for veterans who also have a serious mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. 47 veterans took part to see if the therapy was helpful and practica…

This study tested a mobile app designed to help people with chronic pain feel better and manage daily life. 108 adults with chronic pain used the app, which offered education, mood tracking, and tips to reduce pain's impact on their activities. The goal was to see if using the ap…

This study looked at whether Tai Chi, a gentle mind-body exercise, can improve quality of life for adults living with both HIV and chronic pain. Researchers enrolled 36 people aged 45 and older to test if the program was practical and liked by participants. The goal was to see if…

This study tested a program to help Hungarian teenagers (ages 12-18) with chronic pain become more active and manage their pain better. The program combined motivational interviewing and self-management techniques, delivered either in person or via video. The goal was to see whic…

This study tested an online program called Empowered Relief to help people with chronic pain who misuse prescription opioids. 234 adults used either the pain relief skills program or a general health education program. The goal was to see if the digital program could lower pain, …

This study tested a non-invasive device that sends mild electrical pulses to the ear to stimulate the vagus nerve, which helps control pain and stress. Thirty adults with fibromyalgia used the device or a placebo for 30 minutes daily, five days a week, for four weeks. Researchers…

This study tested two procedures—cryoablation (freezing) and endoscopic denervation (cutting)—to treat chronic pain in the sacroiliac joint, a common cause of lower back pain. 51 adults with confirmed pain participated. Both methods aim to stop pain signals by targeting specific …

This study compared two antidepressant medications, duloxetine and desipramine, to see which one works better for reducing chronic pain. About 86 adults with pain lasting more than 3 months took one of the two drugs for 6 months. Researchers measured pain levels and physical func…

This study tested different treatment plans for 749 adults with chronic low back pain. It compared physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness to see which combination works best for reducing pain and improving daily function. The goal is to help doctors choos…

This study developed and tested a mobile website called LIMIT to help veterans with chronic pain safely reduce their opioid use. 44 veterans who had been on long-term opioid therapy participated. The tool provided interactive support for tapering while managing pain, aiming to ma…

This study looked at whether offering non-drug options like massage, yoga, chiropractic, and physical therapy through telehealth visits could help adults with chronic pain reduce their opioid use. Twenty-one people took part, and researchers tracked changes in pain, mood, and dai…

This pilot study tested whether a telehealth program teaching mind-body skills (like relaxation and gentle movement) could help rural veterans manage chronic pain. Forty veterans participated in 12 online group sessions. The study aimed to see if the program was feasible, accepta…

This study tested two ways to ease chronic neck pain: a treatment called percutaneous neuromodulation (using tiny needles to stimulate nerves) and a standard exercise program. One hundred adults with neck pain lasting at least 3 months took part. The goal was to see which approac…

This study tested a walking program for veterans with both opioid use disorder and chronic pain. The program included pain education and a pedometer to track steps. Researchers wanted to see if this approach was practical and liked by participants. The goal was to offer a non-dru…

This study tested a smartphone app and website called iCanCope with Pain for teens and young adults (ages 15-25) living with chronic pain. The program helps users track pain, sleep, mood, and activity, set goals, and learn pain management skills. Researchers checked if the progra…

This study tested whether adding electrical dry needling to therapeutic exercise helps people with long-term neck pain more than exercise alone. 90 adults aged 30 to 65 with chronic neck pain took part. Researchers measured pain and daily function to see which treatment worked be…

This study tested whether the medication acetazolamide can improve sleep-disordered breathing (sleep apnea) in adults with chronic pain who use opioids daily. 39 participants took either acetazolamide or a placebo for one week. The goal was to see if the drug could reduce breathi…

This study tested whether a Whole Health Team—focused on non-drug strategies like exercise and mindfulness—could help veterans with chronic pain feel better and improve their daily functioning. About 793 veterans took part across five VA sites. The team approach was compared to g…

This study looked at whether combining a non-opioid medication (duloxetine) with web-based pain-coping skills training helps people with long-term muscle and joint pain. About 280 adults with daily pain for at least 3 months took part. The goal was to see if this approach reduces…

This study looked at whether doing yoga online can help people with chronic pain. 94 adults with pain lasting more than 6 months took part in 8 weekly virtual yoga classes and did daily 30-minute yoga at home. The goal was to see if the program was practical and if it reduced pai…

This study looked at whether yoga can help people with chronic pain who are also receiving medication for opioid use. Researchers tested different ways to encourage participants to do more yoga, both in class and at home. The goal was to find the best combination of support metho…

This small pilot study tested a mindfulness-based therapy adapted for older Black adults (age 50+) who have both chronic pain and depression. The goal was to see if this approach could improve quality of life and reduce pain interference. The study enrolled 12 participants and me…

This study tested a special type of meditation called compassion meditation in 142 Veterans who have chronic pain along with depression or PTSD. The goal was to see if this mind-body approach could reduce how much pain interferes with daily life and improve overall well-being. Pa…

This study tested whether mindfully paying attention to pain sensations can help people with chronic pain feel better. 300 adults with chronic pain for at least 6 months participated. They learned to focus on their pain in a new way, aiming to reduce pain intensity, increase thei…

This study looked at whether giving nitrous oxide (laughing gas) during a spine procedure called vertebroplasty could reduce pain and the need for morphine afterward. It included 39 adults who were already taking opioid pain medications for more than a month. The goal was to see …

This study tested a 10-week education program designed to help Asian Americans with chronic pain learn coping strategies and reduce pain-related distress. 45 Korean American adults with ongoing pain took part. The goal was to see if the program was practical and helpful for this …

This study tested a new program to help older adults (age 50+) manage long-term pain. The program used educational podcasts and sessions with a community health worker to teach pain self-management skills and help participants set personal goals. 40 people took part to see if the…

This study tested a 7-week program to help older adults with both chronic pain and mild memory problems manage their pain better. Participants received weekly phone coaching and watched educational videos. The goal was to see if the program was practical and could reduce how much…

This study looked at a voluntary program to help adults with chronic pain slowly reduce their opioid medications. 51 people who wanted to lower their dose worked with their doctor over 4 months using a personalized tapering plan and a self-help book. The main goal was to see if t…

This study tested a toolkit called Pain at Work (PAW) to help employees with chronic pain manage their condition on the job. Around 380 adults from workplaces in England took part, with some using the toolkit plus support calls and others receiving usual care. The goal was to see…

This study looked at whether slowly reducing (tapering) prescribed opioids helps people with long-term non-cancer pain. 140 participants were split into two groups: one started tapering right away, the other waited 4 months. The goal was to see if tapering could lower opioid use …

This study tested a pain-relief method for adults having open-heart surgery. Half received a numbing medicine (ropivacaine) through small tubes placed near the breastbone, while the other half got a saltwater placebo. The goal was to see if the nerve block could lower the amount …

This study tested a device called the Sana Pain Reliever for people with long-term nerve pain. 75 adults used the device at home for 8 to 14 weeks. Researchers measured changes in pain and mood to see if the device helped.

This study tested two different at-home digital treatments for chronic pain in rural America. 330 people with long-term pain were randomly assigned to either a virtual reality (VR) program or a self-guided online course called painTRAINER. Researchers tracked pain levels, daily f…

This study tested whether group mindfulness classes, based on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, could improve daily function and reduce pain in adults with chronic low back pain. Over 450 people took part, and researchers measured pain and activity levels over a year. The goal …

This study tested two ways to give steroid injections for carpal tunnel syndrome: one guided by ultrasound directly into the wrist, and the other into a muscle. 63 adults with mild-to-moderate symptoms took part. The goal was to see which method better reduces pain and improves h…

This study tested a smartphone-based program to help people who have both chronic pain and heavy drinking habits. Researchers wanted to see if the app was easy to use and helpful for people in primary care, including those in rural areas. The study included 32 adults and measured…

This study tested a one-day life skills workshop for veterans with mild traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, and mental health issues like PTSD and depression. The goal was to see if the workshop could reduce distress and help veterans readjust to civilian life. 176 veterans too…

This study tested whether using Dermabond (a medical glue) along with stitches helps keep spinal cord stimulator trial leads from moving. 57 adults with chronic pain took part. The goal was to see if the glue reduces lead migration and improves patient satisfaction.

This study tested two types of telehealth programs for people with chronic pain: an online self-guided program and live sessions with a health coach by phone or video. Over 2,300 adults from four healthcare systems took part. The goal was to see if these programs could meaningful…

This study tested whether a therapy that combines physical exercises with psychological strategies (Cognitive Functional Therapy) works better than standard physical therapy for adults with chronic neck pain. Sixty participants aged 18-64 with neck pain lasting over 3 months were…

This study tested two treatments for chronic neck pain lasting over 3 months: pharmacopuncture (injecting herbal extracts into acupuncture points) and regular acupuncture. 128 adults aged 19-70 with moderate to severe pain took part. The goal was to see which approach reduces pai…

This study tested whether a mind-body walking program is practical and helpful for adults with long-term muscle or bone pain. About 92 people took part, comparing the walking program to a health education class. The goal was to see if people would join, stick with it, and find it…

This study tested a special type of talk therapy, called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Loneliness (CBT-L), delivered by phone or computer to veterans with chronic pain who also feel lonely. The goal was to see if it could reduce loneliness and pain-related problems. About 40 v…

This study tested a new device that produces a cold atmospheric plasma jet (the Human Regenerator Power Jet) to see if it could improve quality of life in adults suffering from chronic stress, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, sleep problems, or Long-COVID. 40 participants used the …

This study tested a new pain-relief injection (ST-01) in 63 men with chronic scrotal pain lasting over 3 months. Participants received up to 4 injections, one every 28 days, of either ST-01 or standard lidocaine. The goal was to see if ST-01 is safe and better at reducing pain ov…

This small pilot study tested whether oral cannabinoids (medical cannabis) can help people with chronic pain. Researchers enrolled 51 adults and measured how easy it was to run the study, including recruitment and adherence. The goal was to gather data to design a larger, more de…

This small study tested whether people with chronic pain and opioid problems would actually do art on their own at home, and if it helped their pain and mood. Thirty-one adults completed surveys before and after up to four art sessions. The results suggest that self-guided artmak…

This study tested a new program called Mindful Action for Pain (MAP) in 126 veterans with long-term pain. MAP combines daily mindfulness meditation with proven therapy techniques to help people live better despite pain. The goal was to see if it could reduce how much pain interfe…

This study tested a smartphone app called DOZE that helps young adults (ages 18-25) with chronic pain and sleep problems learn skills to manage their symptoms. The app combines sleep medicine with self-management techniques. Researchers measured how well participants used the app…

This study looked at 116 adults with chronic muscle or joint pain to understand how their beliefs about pain, their spiritual well-being, and their views on complementary treatments (like acupuncture or herbal medicine) are related. Participants completed questionnaires about the…

This study aimed to find out if certain patient traits or risk factors can predict who will develop chronic pain after lower back surgery. Researchers studied 158 adults who had lumbar spine surgery, measuring pain severity, disability, and other health factors. The goal was to b…

This study tested a computer tool designed to help doctors and patients make shared decisions about chronic pain treatment. 39 adults with long-term muscle or bone pain who had recently used opioids took part. The goal was to see if clinics would use the tool and if it improved c…

This study followed 392 adults who had planned surgeries to map their pain levels over the first 7 days after the operation. Researchers wanted to see if different pain patterns could help predict who might develop long-term chronic pain 3 months later. The goal is to better unde…

This study tested a school program called SocLaLola that uses a comic book to teach children aged 8-11 about pain and healthy habits. 82 students from two schools took part. The goal was to see if the program improved children's understanding of pain and reduced their fear of bei…

This study tested whether doctors in community clinics could use simple decision guides (algorithms) to better manage opioid misuse behaviors in patients with chronic pain. 49 clinicians participated over 6-9 months. The goal was to see if the guides were easy to use and helpful,…

This study looked at 84 adults with chronic neck pain to understand how central sensitization (a condition where the nervous system stays on high alert) relates to pain intensity, sleep quality, and jaw function. Researchers used questionnaires to measure pain, disability, and mo…

This study looked at how the way a physiotherapist talks about virtual reality (VR) can change what people with chronic pain think and expect from treatment. Over 100 adults with long-term muscle or joint pain watched a video about VR that used either positive (placebo) or negati…

This study followed 204 adults who had a kidney removed to find out why some develop chronic pain lasting months or years. Researchers measured pain levels right after surgery, at 3 months, and at 1 year. They also looked at factors like age, weight, and smoking to see which ones…

This study looked at whether the type of anesthesia used during hernia surgery affects pain levels afterward. Ten men having hernia repair were randomly assigned to receive either total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) or inhaled anesthesia. Researchers measured pain right after sur…

This study looked at 44 adults with shoulder pain from rotator cuff problems to see if their level of central sensitization (a condition where the nervous system is overly sensitive to pain) affected how well steroid injections worked. Researchers measured central sensitization b…

This study looked at 202 Polish adults with chronic low back pain to understand how often they also feel anxious. Participants filled out a questionnaire about their anxiety symptoms. The results show that many people with long-term back pain also struggle with anxiety, which can…

This study tested whether combining acupuncture with a gentle brain-stimulation technique (tDCS) can improve chronic low back pain more than either treatment alone. 116 adults with long-term back pain received one of four treatment combinations for a month. Researchers used brain…

This study looked at whether genetic testing can help doctors choose better medicines for depression, acute pain, and chronic pain. Over 4,200 people were screened to join one of three separate trials. The goal was to see if matching drugs to a person's genes improves outcomes co…

This study looked at whether the weekly performance of a favorite NFL team affects pain and mood in adults with chronic pain. Over 32 avid football fans completed weekly surveys during the regular season. The goal was to see if emotional ups and downs from sports fandom are linke…

This study followed 477 women who had a planned cesarean delivery in Denmark. Researchers sent text-message surveys to track pain levels, medication use, and how pain affected daily activities over several months. The goal was to learn how common persistent pain is after C-sectio…

This study looked at whether wearable devices and digital surveys can help predict how well spinal cord stimulation works for chronic pain. 28 adults with long-term pain wore devices and answered surveys before and after getting a spinal cord stimulator implant. The goal was to s…

This study looked at 264 people with chronic back and leg pain caused by a pinched nerve. Researchers wanted to see if routine blood test results could predict who would get good pain relief from a combination of two treatments: pulsed radiofrequency and a steroid injection. The …

This study looks at why some people continue to have chronic back or leg pain even after successful back surgery, a condition called Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). Researchers will collect detailed information from 200 adults to better identify these patients and understand…

This study checked 776 people with long-term pain of unknown cause to see if they had Fabry disease, a rare inherited condition that can damage the heart, kidneys, and nerves. The goal was to find out how often Fabry disease is missed in people with chronic pain. Researchers test…

This study looked at whether gradually reducing opioid medications over a long period affects pain, quality of life, and mood in people with chronic non-cancer pain. Eighteen adults on stable opioid doses participated. The goal was to see if tapering causes worsening symptoms com…

This study tested two ways of teaching older adults with knee osteoarthritis about their pain. One group learned standard facts about the disease, while the other learned about how the brain and nerves process pain. Researchers measured whether the newer approach changed the body…

This study looked at how rumination (repetitive negative thinking) affects mood after physical activity in 47 adults with fibromyalgia. Researchers compared rumination to distraction as coping strategies. The goal was to understand the link between thinking patterns and emotional…

This study followed over 2,300 adults from urban areas of Chile for one year to learn more about chronic pain and its effects. Researchers measured pain levels, mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and how pain impacted work and social life. The goal was to better un…

This study looked at how spinal cord stimulation (SCS) affects the way chronic pain patients feel pain. 34 adults with long-term pain who already had SCS devices took part. Researchers tested different SCS settings to measure changes in pain perception, aiming to understand how t…

This study looked at whether adding mindfulness training to physical therapy is a practical way to help people with long-term muscle and joint pain who also take opioids. Researchers trained physical therapists in mindfulness and then checked how well they could teach these skill…

This study looked at how oxytocin, a natural brain hormone, affects pain from heat. 25 healthy adults and people with chronic pain rated their pain during skin heating before, during, and after receiving oxytocin through an IV. The goal was to understand how oxytocin works in the…

This study gathered real-world information from 73 adults with chronic pain who were using or planning to use an approved medical device for pain relief. Researchers tracked changes in pain levels and other patient-reported outcomes to understand how these treatments work in ever…

This pilot study tested a program called STEPPT to see if it could reduce differences in how often Hispanic and non-Hispanic White patients with back or neck pain are referred to and attend physical therapy. 144 adults from a community health clinic took part. Researchers measure…