Clinical trials · San Francisco, CA
Pain clinical trials in San Francisco
We’re tracking 67 recruiting pain studies with a site in or near San Francisco — including Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies near San Francisco
- NCT02502162Recruiting
Low-dose naltrexone for complex regional pain syndrome
This trial tests whether low-dose naltrexone can reduce symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a long-lasting pain condition in an arm or leg. It may help by targeting pain signaling, but you must meet specific CRPS diagnosis and medication rules to join.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT04142177Recruiting
Test which pain treatments work best for chronic low back pain
This study compares how well different pain treatments reduce low back pain and improve daily life. You may be asked to start or continue care through the VA and attend in-person sessions while completing pain and activity questionnaires.
Palo Alto, 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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+ - NCT05700682Recruiting
MRI-guided artery blockage procedure for long-term joint pain
This study tests whether an MRI scan that looks at blood flow can help target a joint embolization procedure to reduce chronic shoulder, hip, or knee pain. It first uses MRI to find signs of increased blood flow, then may use the findings to guide treatment if you qualify.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 25–80 - NCT04930887RecruitingPhase 2
Numbing injection in the face to ease craniofacial pain
This trial tests whether an injection of a numbing medicine (bupivacaine) guided by an endoscope can reduce craniofacial pain. It may help people with certain headache or facial pain conditions by targeting the pain area more precisely.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT03427736Recruiting
Studying pain and numbing medicines in children
This trial looks at how well different numbing and pain-relief medicines work in children during routine care. It may help doctors choose safer, better pain control for kids who need these medicines.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges birth–17 years - NCT03230565RecruitingPhase 4
Continuous vs bolus pain medication through nerve catheter
This study compares two ways of delivering numbing pain medicine through a nerve catheter after surgery: a steady infusion versus scheduled bolus doses. It aims to see which method works better and is easier to use for post-operative pain control.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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+ - NCT06027099RecruitingPhase 3
Testing tizanidine to help reduce opioids after surgery
This study tests whether adding a low-dose muscle relaxant (tizanidine) to your pain plan after surgery can help you safely lower your opioid use. It's for people who have been on long-term opioids and are having surgery at specific hospitals.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT00823563Recruiting
Testing heart artery causes of pain without major blockage
This study looks at people who are being checked for possible heart artery–related chest or similar discomfort, but without major artery blockage (non-obstructive arteries). It aims to help doctors understand what might be causing symptoms and guide safer testing.
Stanford, 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+ - NCT04929951RecruitingPhase 1
Micro fat injection to treat shoulder arthritis
This Phase 1 study tests whether a micro-fragmented fat (MFAT) injection can reduce symptoms and improve shoulder function in people with shoulder osteoarthritis. It’s early research, so the goal is mainly to see if the treatment is safe and possibly helpful.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 25–75 - NCT06778447Recruiting
Disc injection for chronic low back pain
This study tests whether injecting a special disc material (nucleus pulposus allograft) into the damaged discs of your lower back can safely reduce pain and improve function. It's for people with long-term, moderate to severe low back pain from disc disease that hasn't gotten better with other treatments.
Napa, CaliforniaAges 22–85 - NCT07122453RecruitingPhase 1
Study of CNTX-3001 for severe chronic low back pain
This trial tests a medicine called CNTX-3001, given as a spinal injection, for people with long-term, severe low back pain that hasn't improved with other treatments.
Napa, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT07210515RecruitingPhase 3
Testing Ambros Therapy for Early CRPS
This trial tests if an intravenous medicine called AMBTX-01 (neridronate) can help people with early-stage Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) type 1. It focuses on those whose affected limb feels warm, looks red, and is swollen.
Napa, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT01719055Recruiting
Long-term follow-up for Boston Scientific pain nerve stimulation
This study looks at how well a Boston Scientific nerve stimulation device works over the long term for pain in everyday care. You may be able to join if you’re already being set up to use one of these approved systems and can reliably report your pain outcomes.
Campbell, CaliforniaAges 18 years+
Hear when a new Pain trial opens near San Francisco, CA
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Pain trials in other cities
Where these studies are running near San Francisco
Institutions with a site for the recruiting pain studies listed above.
- Stanford University · 7 studies
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System · 2 studies
- 1070 Arastradero Rd
- Ambros Clinical Trial Site
- Comprehensive Pain Management Center
- Interventional Pain Management Napa Valley Orthopedic Medical Group
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
- Neurovations
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 California.
Common questions
- Are there pain clinical trials near San Francisco?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 67 recruiting pain studies with a site near San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?
- 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 San Francisco to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site near San Francisco, 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 San Francisco regularly. Set up a health profile and we’ll quietly watch for studies that fit you and email you when one opens.