Clinical trials · Pittsburgh, PA
Pain clinical trials in Pittsburgh
We’re tracking 25 recruiting pain studies with a site in or near Pittsburgh — including Early Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies near Pittsburgh
- NCT06731998Recruiting
Improving pain control after cancer surgery
This study compares different methods of managing pain after minimally invasive surgery for abdominal cancers. It aims to find which approach works best to reduce pain and improve recovery.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18–89 - NCT07006675RecruitingPhase 3
NSAIDs for Tibia Fracture Pain and Healing Study
This study tests whether NSAID pain relievers (like ibuprofen) affect bone healing after a broken tibia and if they can help reduce the need for stronger painkillers. If you qualify, you could help doctors learn the safest way to manage pain after this common injury.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18–80 - NCT07288047Recruiting
Virtual reality for pain during early abortion
This study tests if using a virtual reality headset during a first trimester procedural abortion can help reduce pain and anxiety. You may be eligible if you are planning to have an abortion at Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania and meet the criteria below.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07294092RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Brain imaging study of ketamine and propofol
This study uses MRI scans to see how two common sedatives, ketamine and propofol, affect brain activity. It may help explain how these drugs work differently in the brain.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18–59 - NCT06614322RecruitingPhase 2
Testing Pain Sensitivity and Pain Relief for Nerve Pain in Feet
This study looks at how people with long-term nerve pain in their feet respond to pain relief. It aims to match the right treatment to each person based on their pain sensitivity.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18–80 - NCT07290205RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Remimazolam brain imaging study
This study uses brain scans to see how a new sedative called remimazolam affects the brain in healthy adults. It will help researchers understand the drug's effects and ensure it's safe.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18–59 - NCT04996628Recruiting
Testing nerve pain signals to guide treatment for chronic pancreatitis pain
This study checks how your nerves respond to controlled touch and temperature tests, to help predict how well you’ll respond to procedures that relieve blockage in the main pancreatic duct. It may help doctors choose the most effective treatment for chronic pancreatitis pain.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05437575RecruitingPhase 3
Testing pain medicine given before arrival to a trauma center
This study tests whether giving pain medicine soon after an injury (before you reach the trauma center) improves comfort and care. You might be eligible if you’re transported to a participating trauma center and meet specific shock and pain levels.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06374238Recruiting
Peer Support for Young People with Sickle Cell Pain
This study is testing a peer support program for teens and young adults (ages 16–30) with sickle cell disease who have chronic pain. You'll connect with a trained peer supporter through your smartphone to learn pain coping skills and get support.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 16–30 - NCT06013878Recruiting
Testing a tool for caregivers who help with transfers
This study tests a special instrument to measure how caregivers help people with physical disabilities move from one place to another (transfers). It may help improve safety and technique for both caregivers and care recipients.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06992427RecruitingPhase 3
Gabapentin to prevent opioid use for mouth pain during cancer treatment
This trial tests if taking gabapentin during chemoradiation for head and neck cancer can reduce the need for strong painkillers like opioids. It may help manage mouth pain caused by treatment.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06994442RecruitingPhase 3
Best pain relief for children on a breathing tube
This study tests adding extra pain medicines (acetaminophen or an NSAID) to usual opioid pain treatment for children on a breathing machine. The goal is to find the safest and most effective way to manage pain.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 2 months–17 years - NCT07308873Recruiting
Gait and knee osteoarthritis pain study
This study looks at how walking patterns relate to knee pain from osteoarthritis. It aims to understand individual differences to improve future treatments.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 45–80 - NCT03434392Recruiting
Testing pain-sensing to predict treatment response in chronic pancreatitis
This study uses a special pain-testing method to better predict how people with chronic pancreatitis-related pain (or similar conditions) will respond to treatment. It may help doctors choose therapies that work better for each person’s type of pain.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06830876Recruiting
Testing muscle stimulator for pain and function after leg amputation
This trial tests if a noninvasive electrical stimulator (NMES) placed on the residual leg can reduce pain and improve muscle and function in people with a below-knee amputation. It aims to offer a drug-free option for managing chronic limb pain.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18–100 - NCT05525923Recruiting
Personalized pain plan after chest surgery in adults
This trial tests a personalized (tailored) plan to manage pain after thoracic (chest) surgery. It may help improve comfort and recovery by matching pain treatment to your situation after surgery.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18–99 - NCT07133139Recruiting
Dry needling for chronic low back pain
This study tests whether a treatment called dry needling (using thin needles on muscle knots) helps people with long-term low back pain tied to muscle tightness. It is for those who have not tried this treatment before and whose main pain is in the lower back.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 20–70 - NCT06825390Recruiting
Ear stimulation and brain imaging for chronic low back pain
This study tests if a non-invasive ear stimulation technique can change brain activity linked to chronic low back pain. You would have a brain scan before and after the treatment to see how your brain responds.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06827262Recruiting
A procedure for vertebrogenic back pain relief
This trial tests a minimally invasive procedure that uses a special device to target and treat nerve-related back pain coming from the vertebrae (the bones in your spine). It may offer lasting relief without more major surgery.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05961800Recruiting
Study ways to evaluate lumbar back pain blocks
This study looks at how well different methods can evaluate a common procedure used for chronic low back pain (lumbar medial branch blocks). If you have long-lasting, everyday back pain and are having this procedure, you may help researchers compare evaluation approaches.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05452694Recruiting
Personalized pain relief after back fusion surgery
This trial tests a personalized plan to manage pain after lumbar (lower back) fusion and decompression surgery. It may help reduce difficult pain while guiding safe use of opioids around the time of surgery.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18–99 - NCT07630350Enrolling by invitation
Virtual Reality for Young People With Chronic Pain
This study tests whether wearing virtual reality goggles can help young people (ages 7–21) manage chronic pain in their neck, shoulders, or arms. Researchers want to see if VR activities can reduce pain and improve daily life.
Allison Park, PennsylvaniaAges 7–21 - NCT07568015Recruiting
Nerve-targeted treatment for lateral hip pain
This study tests an experimental treatment that targets nerves around the hip to relieve pain on the outside of the hip. It may help people who have tried other treatments without enough relief.
Sewickley, PennsylvaniaAges 22–80 - NCT07226258RecruitingPhase 3
Testing SL1002 for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis
This trial tests a study drug called SL1002 to see if it reduces knee pain from osteoarthritis. It may be an option for people with chronic knee pain who haven't found enough relief from current treatments.
Sewickley, PennsylvaniaAges 40 years+
Hear when a new Pain trial opens near Pittsburgh, PA
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Pain trials in other cities
Where these studies are running near Pittsburgh
Institutions with a site for the recruiting pain studies listed above.
- University of Pittsburgh · 6 studies
- Allegheny General Hospital · 3 studies
- Pain Diagnostics & Interventional Care · 2 studies
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center · 2 studies
- UPMC Pain Medicine at Centre Commons · 2 studies
- UPMC Presbyterian Hospital · 2 studies
- UPMC Shadyside Hospital · 2 studies
- Allegheny Health Network
What taking part in a 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.
Looking wider? See all recruiting pain studies in Pennsylvania.
Common questions
- Are there pain clinical trials near Pittsburgh?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 25 recruiting pain studies with a site near Pittsburgh, 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 study near Pittsburgh?
- 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 Pittsburgh to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site near Pittsburgh, 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 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 studies open near Pittsburgh regularly. Set up a health profile and we’ll quietly watch for studies that fit you and email you when one opens.