Clinical trials · California
Pain Management clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 16 recruiting pain management studies with a site in California — including Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT04004286Recruiting
Pain registry and blood sample biobank for eligible service members
This trial is building a pain registry biobank to learn more about pain and how different people experience it. If you’re eligible for care in the Military Healthcare System and can consent, you may be able to contribute your information for future research.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - 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+ - NCT06566664Enrolling by invitation
Nerve stimulation to help with arm surgery nerve blocks
This study tests if using a small electrical stimulator on the skin can make a nerve block work better for arm surgery. If you are having planned arm surgery and getting a nerve block, you may be able to join.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04166877RecruitingPhase 4
Magnesium drip to reduce pain in ICU trauma patients
This trial tests whether a magnesium infusion can better control pain in adults who have serious injuries and need intensive care. It compares magnesium as part of pain treatment to standard pain care to see if pain improves and stays controlled.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05266040RecruitingPhase 2
Valacyclovir to reduce pain from infected tooth abscess
This Phase 2 study tests whether valacyclovir, an antiviral medicine, can help reduce moderate-to-severe pain from an acute infected tooth abscess. Participants also receive standard dental treatment, and the study looks at whether the added medicine helps with pain.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT06327542Recruiting
Group pain management in primary care clinics
This trial tests a group-based program to help people with chronic pain manage their symptoms. It is offered in primary care clinics that serve underinsured communities, and sessions are available in English or Spanish.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07090018Enrolling by invitation
A single session to help manage pain after C-section
This trial tests a one-time class (called Empowered Relief) for women who still have pain 6 weeks after a cesarean delivery. The goal is to see if this session helps reduce ongoing pain and improve recovery.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07369024RecruitingPhase 2
Study of low-dose ketamine for sickle cell pain crisis
This study tests whether a low-dose of ketamine (a pain medicine) can help children and young adults with sickle cell disease who are in a pain crisis. It aims to provide better pain relief while avoiding some side effects of standard painkillers.
Torrance, CaliforniaAges 5–20 - NCT03365908Enrolling by invitation
Pain Management After ACL Reconstruction Surgery
This study looks at ways to manage pain in adults who are getting surgery to repair a torn ACL (a knee ligament). It may help improve comfort and recovery after ACL reconstruction.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 18–45 - NCT07373210Recruiting
Placebo pills for hip surgery pain in teens and young adults
This study tests whether taking placebo pills (pills with no active drug) can help manage pain after a specific hip surgery, called Bernese Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO), in people with a hip condition called developmental dysplasia. The goal is to see if using placebos can reduce the need for pain medications and help with recovery.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 13–40 - NCT04979338RecruitingPhase 3
Opioid-sparing pain control for gender-affirming surgery
This Phase 3 study tests ways to manage pain during and after gender-affirming surgery while using less opioid medicine. It may help improve comfort after surgery and reduce opioid-related side effects.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07672015RecruitingPhase 4
Testing a new pain drug in surgery patients at risk for opioid dependence
This trial tests a new painkiller called suzetrigine for post-surgery pain. It's designed for people whose medical records suggest they may have a higher chance of needing strong painkillers (opioids) long after surgery. We want to see if suzetrigine works better at preventing that.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07281118Recruiting
Nerve freezing for pain after double lung transplant
This trial tests a procedure called intercostal cryoanalgesia, which freezes nerves in the chest to reduce pain after a double lung transplant. It may help you feel less pain and use fewer painkillers after surgery.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07561827RecruitingPhase 3
Nerve Block for Pain After Spine Surgery in Teens
This trial tests whether a numbing injection around the spine muscles (erector spinae plane block) reduces pain and the need for strong pain medications after back surgery for scoliosis in teenagers. The goal is to help young patients recover more comfortably.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 10–18 - NCT06728579RecruitingPhase 2
Group therapy for joint pain in breast cancer survivors
This study tests two supportive group programs—one using mindfulness skills, the other providing supportive talk therapy—to help breast cancer survivors manage joint pain caused by hormone-blocking pills. If you have ongoing joint pain and are taking an aromatase inhibitor, you may be able to join a free, video-based group.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07061769Enrolling by invitation
Using a gentle head device to help with nerve pain from chemo
This trial tests a low-intensity cranial PEMF device to see if it can reduce nerve pain caused by chemotherapy. Participants use the device at home and receive text messages to track their symptoms.
Newport Beach, CaliforniaAges 18–60
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting pain management studies listed above.
- University of California, San Francisco · 3 studies
- University of California San Diego Health · 2 studies
- University of California, Davis Medical Center · 2 studies
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Hoag Spine Institute
- Naval Medical Center San Diego
- Stanford Cancer Institute
- Stanford University
What taking part in a pain management 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.
Pain Management trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there pain management clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 16 recruiting pain management 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 pain management 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 pain management 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 pain management 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.