CHRONIC PAIN

This study aimed to see if a closed-loop spinal cord stimulator could reduce muscle stiffness (spasticity) and chronic pain in people who had a stroke or brain injury. It was designed for adults with moderate to severe symptoms. However, the study was withdrawn before any partici…

This study tests a program called SC-POWR for 204 people with opioid use disorder and long-term chronic pain. Participants receive medication, therapy, exercise (like Wii Fit and Tai Chi), and stress reduction techniques for 24 weeks, then are followed for another 24 weeks. The g…

This study tests two approaches to help people with chronic pain who also misuse opioids. One group gets telemedicine and collaborative care, while the other adds a pain education and self-management program. The goal is to see which method better reduces pain interference and op…

This study looks at whether a test that measures the body's natural pain reflex can help predict which people with chronic back or neck pain will get good pain relief from common procedures like injections or nerve blocks. About 350 adults will take part. The goal is to find a be…

This study tests whether a nasal spray containing oxytocin, a natural body chemical, can help reduce pain and improve daily function in people with chronic pain. About 336 adults with nerve, muscle, or pelvic pain will try three different sprays (low-dose oxytocin, medium-dose ox…

This study compares two virtual symptom management programs for adults aged 60 and older who have both chronic pain and early signs of memory decline. The goal is to see which program better improves physical function, thinking skills, and emotional well-being. Participants will …

This study looks at whether adding a special type of massage therapy to standard care helps refugees and asylum seekers who survived torture or war. About 50 people will either get standard care plus massage or standard care alone. The goal is to see if the massage reduces pain, …

This study tests a combined therapy (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy plus Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention) for veterans with chronic pain who are taking buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. The goal is to see if this approach reduces how much pain interferes with daily l…

This study tests whether special colored light shown to the eyes can lower pain levels in people with chronic low back pain or fibromyalgia. About 60 adults will wear a light device for 2 hours daily over 5 days. The goal is to see if this approach is practical and helps reduce p…

This study compares a digital health program plus a wearable pain relief device to standard care for people with chronic low back pain. About 196 adults with back pain for at least 3 months will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The goal is to see if the digital program …

This study tests a mindfulness program called MORE to see if it can help people with long-term cancer pain. Researchers will enroll 76 adults who have had cancer and still have pain for at least 3 months. The goal is to find out if this approach is practical and helpful for pain …

This study tests whether daily exposure to green LED light can reduce chronic pain and improve quality of life. About 55 adults with pain from HIV, chemotherapy, or fibromyalgia will use a light device at home for 2 hours daily over 3 months. The goal is to see if light therapy c…

This study tests whether a single pain relief skills session, called Empowered Relief, can lower the chance of long-term pain after a cesarean delivery. About 60 women who still have moderate to severe pain 6 weeks after their C-section will take part. The goal is to see if learn…

This study tests a small implanted device that sends mild electrical pulses to nerves to relieve chronic pain from injury or surgery. About 89 adults with long-lasting pain in the back, shoulder, knee, or foot will either get the device plus usual care or just usual care. The goa…

This study compares personalized electro-acupuncture and auricular-acupuncture against usual care for treating chronic pain in 360 adults with musculoskeletal pain or fibromyalgia. Participants either receive acupuncture right away or after 12 weeks of standard care. The goal is …

This study watches 100 adults with chronic pain who get ketamine infusions at Stanford. Researchers want to see how much pain improves and what patient traits predict a good response. Participants fill out surveys about their pain and overall well-being. The goal is to learn who …

This study tests a physiotherapist-led program for teens and young adults (ages 12-25) who have had muscle or bone pain for at least 3 months. The program uses gradual exposure to physical activity to help them become more active and reduce pain-related distress. 35 participants …

This study tests whether a very low dose of naltrexone can help ease the severe, chronic pain of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Forty adults with CRPS will be randomly assigned to receive either the drug or a placebo for six months. The main goal is to see if it's possibl…

This study tests a new way to use deep brain stimulation for people with severe chronic pain from stroke, spinal cord injury, or phantom limb. Instead of constant stimulation, the device activates only when pain signals in the brain are high. Four participants will be monitored t…

This study tests if a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation device used at home can reduce chronic pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis whose inflammation is already well-controlled. Many patients still suffer from pain even when their arthritis drugs work, and this approach a…

This study tests a spinal cord stimulator (BurstDR) for people with painful diabetic neuropathy. Twenty adults with long-term nerve pain in their legs will try a temporary device for one week. If their pain drops by at least half, they get a permanent implant. Researchers will tr…

This study tests a new approach for breast cancer survivors who still have pain long after treatment ends. Instead of just medication, participants learn how the brain processes pain (pain neuroscience education) and slowly increase their activity levels (behavioral graded activi…

This study is testing a new type of spinal cord stimulator that listens to your nerves and adjusts its signals in real time to better treat chronic pain in the back, legs, or trunk. About 250 adults with severe, long-lasting pain will use the device to see if it improves pain rel…

This study tests a treatment that combines two therapies—Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP)—for people with both chronic pain and opioid use disorder. About 160 adults already stable on buprenorphine will either receive this in…

This study tests whether a single dose of ketamine, given while participants are sedated, can reduce chronic pain and depression better than a placebo. Forty adults with both conditions will be randomly assigned to receive either ketamine or saltwater during sedation. Researchers…

This study tests whether a Pain Self-Management (PSM) program helps people with chronic pain and opioid misuse or opioid use disorder (OUD) better manage their pain and stay engaged in treatment. About 204 adults from primary care clinics will either take part in the 12-week PSM …

This study tests whether two types of gentle brain stimulation—tDCS and TUS—can reduce pain and improve daily function in people with chronic low back pain. About 40 adults aged 18 to 85 with persistent pain will receive either real or sham stimulation. The goal is to see if thes…

This study tests whether adding yoga and mindfulness to a home exercise program helps people with fibromyalgia feel better and move more easily. Forty adults with fibromyalgia will either do the combined program or just home exercises for 8 weeks. Researchers will measure pain, f…

This study explores whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) can temporarily change brain activity to reduce chronic pain. About 80 adults with moderate-to-severe pain lasting at least 3 months will receive noninvasive brain stimulation and rate their pain during heat test…

This study looks at whether adding monthly booster contacts to a short-term cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain helps people manage pain longer. About 716 military health system beneficiaries with ongoing pain will either get the standard therapy or the therapy plus mon…

This study tests a program called RESET, led by community health workers, to help older adults in Detroit improve their physical and mental health. About 456 African American adults aged 50 and older with symptoms like depression, anxiety, chronic pain, or loneliness will take pa…

This study tests whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) can safely reduce chronic pain. About 80 adults will receive temporary brain stimulation using sound waves while their pain response and brain signals are measured. The goal is to see if this noninvasive method can …

This study tests whether adding a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique (TMS) to a three-week intensive rehab program can help teens with severe chronic pain feel better. About 25 youth aged 10-18 will receive daily TMS sessions targeting a brain area linked to pain. R…

This study tests whether a single session of mild electrical brain stimulation (called tDCS) can temporarily reduce pain in women with fibromyalgia. 92 right-handed women aged 18-65 with moderate to severe pain will receive the stimulation while researchers measure changes in pai…

This study tests a small implanted device that sends mild electrical pulses to nerves to relieve chronic pain in the low back, shoulder, knee, or foot. It compares the device plus standard medical care to standard care alone in 185 adults aged 18-80. The goal is to see if the dev…

This study compares doing neck exercises and electrotherapy at home via video calls (telerehabilitation) versus going to a clinic in person. One hundred adults with chronic neck pain will be split into two groups and treated for 8 weeks. Researchers will measure pain, disability,…

This study looks at whether a tailored yoga coaching program can help people with lupus manage chronic pain. Researchers will enroll 15 adults with lupus who have had pain for at least 3 months. The program lasts 13 weeks and focuses on gentle, personalized yoga and coaching. The…

This study aimed to see if a device called Buzzy, which vibrates and cools the skin, could reduce pain during IV insertion in adults with chronic pain who receive lidocaine infusions. The plan was to compare pain scores and satisfaction between those using Buzzy and those getting…

This study explores whether listening to jazz music combined with mindfulness exercises can reduce chronic pain and anxiety in adults. About 90 participants with chronic pain and moderate anxiety will try this non-drug approach. The goal is to find a safer, non-addictive way to m…

This study tests whether a digital version of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can improve both sleep and pain in 140 adults with chronic pain and insomnia. Participants will either receive the digital CBT-I program or digital sleep hygiene education. The goal is…

This study tests whether a nurse care management program can help rural adults with chronic pain feel better and function more in daily life. The program includes care coordination, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a remote exercise program. About 450 rural patients will take pa…

This study tests a new type of talk therapy called Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) for people with chronic widespread pain, including fibromyalgia. Fifteen adults will track their pain, mood, sleep, and daily activities several times a day for up to 8 weeks. The goal is to see if…

This study tests a new way of managing chronic pain by having pain clinics and family doctors work closely together through digital meetings. About 386 adults with long-term pain will either get this new care plan or standard care. The goal is to see if the new approach improves …

This study looks at how to bring non-drug pain management programs to community health centers that serve low-income people. About 70 patients with chronic pain will take part in group visits that teach techniques like mindfulness and movement. The goal is to see if these program…

This study tests whether a simple program of education, self-management, and home exercises can reduce pain and improve daily function in adults with long-lasting jaw pain (TMD) as effectively as more intensive hands-on physiotherapy. Forty adults aged 18 to 65 with jaw pain for …

This study tests a spinal cord stimulator that treats chronic pain without causing tingling sensations. About 177 adults with long-term back and limb pain will use the device. The goal is to see if it cuts pain by at least half after three months.

This study looks at whether a team of specialists working together can better ease chronic vulvar pain than usual care. About 100 women with pain lasting 3 months or more will be randomly assigned to either the team approach or standard treatment. The goal is to see if the team m…

This study tests two community-based self-management programs for adults with chronic back or neck pain. One program teaches mind-body skills like mindfulness and cognitive behavioral techniques, while the other focuses on general health and well-being. Participants attend nine w…

This study gave multiple infusions of a type of stem cell (HB-adMSCs) to one person with long-term muscle or joint pain. The goal was to see if it could safely reduce pain and improve quality of life. The study lasted about 32 weeks and included several visits for infusions and c…

This study tests whether a smartphone app that guides slow, paced breathing can help adults with chronic migraine have fewer headaches and feel better. Thirty participants will use the app for 10 minutes daily over 8 weeks. The goal is to see if this simple, at-home technique is …

This study compares two types of nerve blocks (interscalene and suprascapular) for pain control after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The goal is to see which provides better pain relief, reduces the need for strong painkillers, and lowers the risk of long-term pain. 84 adults hav…

This study tests whether spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can reduce chronic limb pain caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy. About 28 people with diabetes and severe leg or foot pain will receive SCS and report their pain relief over 12 months. The goal is to see if this nerve-s…

This study compares two types of spinal cord stimulation—high frequency and burst—to see which provides better long-term pain relief for people with chronic back or leg pain. About 7 adults who are candidates for spinal cord stimulation will be randomly assigned to one of the two…

This study tests whether yoga can reduce nerve pain caused by chemotherapy in cancer survivors. About 227 adults who finished chemo at least three months ago will either take yoga classes, attend educational sessions, or receive standard pain care. Researchers will compare pain l…

This study looks at how well a closed-loop spinal cord stimulator works for people with long-term pain. Researchers will track pain levels and quality of life in 25 adults who have had pain for at least 6 months. The device automatically adjusts stimulation to help reduce pain.

This study tests whether non-drug treatments like physical therapy and counseling, delivered via telehealth, can help people with chronic back pain feel better and rely less on opioids. About 500 adults from community health centers in Utah will take part. The goal is to find pra…

This study is testing a special spinal cord stimulator that automatically adjusts its signals to better control long-term pain in the back, arms, or legs. About 70 adults with severe chronic pain will use the device for several years. Researchers will track how much pain decrease…

This study tests a new vibrating device (VCR) on the belly, back, or head to see if it can safely reduce chronic pain from conditions like pelvic pain, abdominal pain, low back pain, or migraine. About 50 adults with moderate to severe pain will try the device or a placebo. The g…

This study compares two exercise programs for older adults living in residential care: short, frequent 'exercise snacks' versus longer, structured sessions. About 75 people aged 65+ will be randomly assigned to one program for 12 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in physica…

This study tests two approaches to help people with opioid use disorder and chronic pain who are taking buprenorphine. One approach is a pain self-management program with coaching and peer support. The other allows patients to adjust their buprenorphine dose based on their pain l…

This study tests whether gentle electrical and ultrasound brain stimulation can reduce pain and improve daily function in people with knee osteoarthritis. About 64 adults with chronic knee pain will receive either real or fake (sham) stimulation to see if it lowers pain scores. T…

This study looked at whether taking a probiotic supplement for 8 weeks could lower inflammation and ease pain in teenagers (ages 13-17) who have chronic pain and a body mass index at or above the 85th percentile. Researchers measured changes in a blood marker for inflammation and…

This study tests whether adding 6 weeks of app-based physical exercise and mindfulness training to standard hospital pain rehabilitation can improve outcomes for teens with chronic pain. Sixty participants aged 13-19 will be randomly assigned to either the app-enhanced program or…

This study looks at how green light exposure might help reduce pain. Researchers will measure brain and nerve activity in 30 healthy adults to understand the mechanism behind this effect. The goal is to learn how green light works, not to test a treatment.

This study looks at whether muscle twitching during a common neck pain treatment (radiofrequency ablation) can help predict if the treatment will be successful. Researchers will grade the twitching and compare it to pain relief results in 60 adults with chronic neck pain. The goa…

This study asks 30 healthcare experts—like midwives, physiotherapists, and pain specialists—what topics, timing, and methods work best for teaching women about pain during labor and after birth. The goal is to create a clear plan for future pain education programs. No treatments …

This study looks at how the brain and nervous system react differently in people with various types of long-term pain, such as nerve pain or pain from tissue damage. Researchers will use questionnaires, thinking tests, and brain wave measurements to track changes over a year. The…

This study tests whether people with chronic pain can drive safely while taking oral opioid medications. Using a driving simulator, researchers measure attention, reaction time, and weaving to see if opioids impair driving ability. The goal is to provide better guidance to patien…

This study looks at how blood pressure affects chronic pain in people who already have a spinal cord stimulator. About 36 adults with chronic low back pain and high blood pressure will take a standard blood pressure drug for 2 weeks and a placebo for 2 weeks (in random order) to …

This small study looks at whether thinking about future events (Episodic Future Thinking) and low-intensity focused ultrasound can change how people with chronic pain and alcohol use disorder experience pain and cravings. Ten adults will complete tasks and rate their pain and alc…

This study follows 384 adults in Brazil who are using cannabis-based products prescribed by their doctors for chronic pain, anxiety, or depression. Researchers will not provide the medication but will track patients for 6 months through online surveys to measure changes in qualit…

This study looks at whether the dose of sufentanil, a strong painkiller given during planned abdominal surgery, is linked to chronic pain that lasts at least 3 months after the operation. Researchers will follow 855 adults having non-major abdominal surgery to track pain levels. …

This study aims to find brain-based markers that could help doctors better diagnose chronic pain and predict which treatments will work best. Researchers will use a device that gently stimulates the brain with magnetic pulses and records the brain's electrical responses in 100 ad…

This study is collecting health and genetic information from 120,000 people with chronic diseases like pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Researchers want to understand how genes, lifestyle, and other factors affect disease progression and quality …

This study aims to find out if matching adults with chronic pain to a specific psychological treatment—like cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, or hypnosis—based on their personal traits leads to better pain relief. Researchers are studying 331 adults to identify which fac…

This study will follow 100 people with combat-related limb injuries to see if the way the injury happened (like the force and direction) can predict who will develop chronic pain. Researchers will measure pain levels and sensitivity at 3 and 6 months after the injury. The goal is…