Clinical trials · California
Chronic pain clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 55 recruiting chronic pain studies with a site in California — including Early Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT07641504RecruitingPhase 2
Testing LY4065967 for chronic low back pain relief
This study tests whether a new medication called LY4065967 can reduce chronic low back pain. Researchers want to see if it works better than current treatments for people who have had lower back pain for at least 3 months.
Palm Springs, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06778070Recruiting
Pelvic pain study testing yoga therapy for relief
This trial tests whether yoga therapy can help reduce chronic pelvic pain in women and non-binary individuals over 6 months. You'll join online yoga classes and see if they improve your pain and daily life.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06741579RecruitingPhase 3
Pain relief study for nerve injury pain
This trial tests how well two types of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) devices relieve chronic pain caused by a single nerve injury. It looks for people who already have a referral for PNS therapy as part of their usual care and who have gotten at least 50% relief from a diagnostic nerve block.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06673108RecruitingPhase 2
Light therapy for chronic pelvic pain
This trial tests a light therapy device placed inside the vagina to treat long-term pelvic pain. It may help people whose pain hasn't been helped by other treatments.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04546685Recruiting
Spanish online group program to help manage long-term pain
This trial tests a one-time, Spanish-language online group program (“Empowered Relief”) for people with long-term pain. It may help you learn coping skills and strategies to reduce the impact of chronic pain.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05127616Recruiting
Trial for chronic pelvic pain: CBT vs education/support
This study tests whether structured talking therapy (CBT) or education/support helps reduce chronic pelvic pain problems in adults. It compares two approaches over time and uses symptom diaries and follow-up check-ins to see which works better.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT05612750Recruiting
Online therapy for chronic pain: CBT vs one-session relief
This study compares two online treatments for chronic pain: an 8-session cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program versus a single “empowered relief” session. It aims to see which approach helps people manage pain better over time.
Long Beach, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05963607Recruiting
Weighted blanket trial to reduce chronic pain
This study tests whether using a 15-pound weighted blanket can lower pain and improve sleep for Veterans with long-lasting, non-cancer musculoskeletal pain. It may help by reducing discomfort during rest and sleep.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06387290RecruitingPhase 3
Mindfulness and pain management for chronic pain on opioids
This study tests whether adding mindfulness training to standard pain management visits can help people with chronic pain who are taking long-term opioids. It aims to improve pain relief and reduce opioid-related risks.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06704061Recruiting
Online yoga vs ACT for chronic pain in veterans
This study compares online yoga with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a type of talk therapy, to see which helps veterans better manage long-lasting muscle or bone pain. You can join from home through the internet.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07425691Recruiting
A program for teens with chronic pain and their parents
This study offers a program to help teens with chronic pain learn skills to manage their pain and improve daily life. The program includes both the teen and a parent, so it's a team effort.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 10–17 - NCT05477004Enrolling by invitation
Study of ketamine infusions for ongoing chronic pain
This study is observing people with chronic pain who are getting ketamine infusions at Stanford. You may help by completing email surveys about how you feel, which can help the team understand the treatment’s impact.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05986292RecruitingPhase 2
Study of new treatments for chronic pain
This study tests new treatments for chronic pain that lasts at least 3 months. Participants must stop their regular pain medicines and use only a rescue painkiller if needed. The goal is to find better ways to manage long-term pain.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06004804Recruiting
Video group therapy for chronic pain in older Veterans
This study tests whether group therapy sessions held over video can help older Veterans manage chronic muscle or joint pain. It focuses on teaching practical skills to reduce pain and improve quality of life.
West Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 60–95 - NCT06377969Recruiting
Spinal cord stimulation for chronic pelvic pain
This study tests a device called a spinal cord stimulator — a small implant that sends mild electrical pulses to nerves in your spine — to see if it can reduce long-term pelvic pain that hasn't gotten better with other treatments.
Redwood City, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04982965RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Study brain changes behind cannabis pain relief
This early study looks at how the brain may respond to cannabis to reduce long-lasting lower back pain. You may be asked to follow strict rules about cannabis, opioids, and safety checks (including MRI) to help researchers understand the brain mechanisms.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 21–65 - NCT06273462RecruitingPhase 2
Testing PEA for Chronic Inflammatory Pain
This study tests a natural supplement called palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) to see if it can help people with long-term inflammatory pain that hasn't gotten better with other treatments.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges Any age - NCT07218757Recruiting
Trial of emotional awareness therapy for veterans with chronic pain
This study tests if a type of therapy that helps you understand and express emotions related to pain (called Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy) can reduce chronic pain in veterans. It is designed for veterans who have had muscle or joint pain for at least 3 months and rate their pain as moderate or greater.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06310226Recruiting
Studying spinal cord stimulation for chronic low back pain
This study is looking at how people with chronic low back pain respond to spinal cord stimulation (a device that sends gentle electrical pulses to the spine to reduce pain). If you already have a spinal cord stimulator, you may help researchers understand how well it works and how it affects your brain.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT07641517RecruitingPhase 2
Testing LY4065967 for chronic knee osteoarthritis pain
This study tests an experimental drug called LY4065967 to see if it can help reduce pain from osteoarthritis in the knee. You'll be in the trial for several months, with regular check-ins and pain assessments.
Palm Springs, CaliforniaAges 40 years+ - NCT07652944Recruiting
Magnetic field therapy for chronic lower back pain
This trial tests whether magnetic fields applied to your back can relieve chronic lower back pain that has lasted at least 12 weeks. It's for people aged 18 to 64 who are willing to attend all study visits.
Edwards Air Force Base, CaliforniaAges 18–64 - NCT05265000Recruiting
Skin electrical stimulation for chronic low back pain
This study tests whether a gentle electrical treatment placed on the skin near the spine can reduce chronic low back pain. If you qualify, you’ll try the stimulation and complete several assessments over a day, so the team can measure any pain and function changes.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 21–85 - NCT04658628Recruiting
Brain scan study to learn who responds to spinal cord stimulation
This trial uses brain imaging to understand which people with long-lasting low back pain are more likely to benefit from spinal cord stimulation (SCS). If you’re being considered for an SCS trial, the scans may help researchers predict response and improve future care.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 21 years+ - NCT06025201Recruiting
Brain activity markers for chronic low back pain
This study uses a safe, non-invasive cap with sensors (EEG) to measure your brain activity and look for patterns linked to chronic low back pain. It aims to better understand pain so doctors can improve treatments.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18–80
Chronic pain trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting chronic pain studies listed above.
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) · 4 studies
- Artemis Institute for Clinical Research · 3 studies
- Desert Oasis Healthcare Medical Group · 3 studies
- Stanford University · 3 studies
- San Francisco VA Medical Center · 2 studies
- 1070 Arastradero Rd
- 412 Medical Group
- Center for Functional MRI - W.M.Keck Building
What taking part in a chronic pain study involves
A screening visit first
Before anything else, the study team checks whether you fit — usually a visit with some tests. You can stop at any point, and screening is typically free.
Care at a nearby site
Study visits happen at a clinic or hospital taking part. Many studies cover the cost of the study treatment and related visits, and some reimburse travel.
You stay in control
Taking part is voluntary and you can leave a study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your regular care.
The team decides eligibility
Our fit check is a helpful first read, not a decision. The study team makes the final call after reviewing your health history.
Chronic pain trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there chronic pain clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 55 recruiting chronic pain studies with a site in California, each rewritten in plain language so you can see what it's testing and who it's for.
- How do I find out if I qualify for a chronic pain study in California?
- Each study lists its eligibility rules — age, diagnosis, prior treatments. On every trial page we explain these in plain language and offer a short, optional pre-screen for a fit read. The study team makes the final decision.
- Do I have to live in California to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site in California, but eligibility is about your health, not your address — some people travel to take part, and a few studies reimburse travel. The study team can tell you what's required.
- Does it cost anything to join a chronic pain trial?
- Using Clin2 is always free. Many trials cover the study treatment and related visits; some reimburse travel. The study team explains exactly what's covered before you decide.
Not the right time?
New chronic pain studies open in California regularly. Set up a health profile and we’ll quietly watch for studies that fit you and email you when one opens.
Clin2 helps you find and understand clinical trials and does not provide medical advice. Study data comes from ClinicalTrials.gov. Talk with your doctor about whether a specific trial is right for you.