Clinical trials · California
Pain clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 177 recruiting pain studies with a site in California — including Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- 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 - NCT07209566Recruiting
Muscles, nerves, and period pain in women
This study looks at how your muscles and nervous system relate to period pain. It compares women with and without painful periods to understand why some have more pain.
Azusa, CaliforniaAges 18–35 - 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+ - 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 - 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.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07290361Recruiting
Physical therapy for spine pain in primary care
This trial tests a program that connects people with spine pain (neck or back pain) from their primary care clinic to a physical therapist. The goal is to see if this approach helps patients get more timely and effective care.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06206148Recruiting
Comparing ways to record pain after surgery
This study compares different methods of recording pain after surgery to see which is easiest and most accurate. If you have surgery and can use a smartphone or a button, you may be able to help.
San Francisco, 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+ - NCT04144972Recruiting
Closed-loop deep brain stimulation for long-lasting nerve pain
This trial tests a “smart” deep brain stimulation device that senses your brain signals and adjusts treatment to reduce severe, long-lasting pain. It may help people whose pain has not improved with multiple pain medicines and surgery cannot fix the cause.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 22–80 - 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 - NCT06393101RecruitingPhase 1
High-CBD cannabis extract for complex regional pain syndrome treatment
This study tests a high-CBD cannabis extract (BRC-002) to see if it can help reduce pain and improve health in people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Participants will not use opioids or other cannabis during the study.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 21–75 - 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.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 40 years+ - NCT04081896Recruiting
Rehab program for adults with spine pain
This trial studies whether a prescribed physical therapy (rehab) program helps people with spine pain. It may help by improving pain and function when a clinician has already recommended rehabilitation.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–89 - NCT07494162Recruiting
Acupuncture for chronic low back pain with muscle knots
This trial tests if acupuncture can help chronic low back pain by looking at changes in muscle metabolism and blood flow. It compares real acupuncture with a sham (fake) procedure to see if there is a true benefit.
Sacramento, 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 - NCT05351099Recruiting
Nerve-block shot for emergency dental pain relief
This study tests whether a dental nerve-block shot can safely help reduce pain for adults who come to the emergency department with tooth pain. If the ED clinician plans to use the block, you may be asked to rate your pain during the visit.
Fresno, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07285018RecruitingPhase 2
Study of a new drug for diabetic nerve pain in legs
This trial tests an investigational drug for people with pain caused by nerve damage from diabetes (diabetic peripheral neuropathy). It may help reduce pain in your lower legs if other treatments haven't worked well.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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+ - NCT07119645Recruiting
Collagen supplement for knee discomfort relief
This trial tests whether a daily collagen supplement (NT-II™) can reduce knee discomfort during activities like walking or climbing stairs. You may qualify if you have mild to moderate knee pain during exercise, no arthritis, and are generally healthy.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 20–65 - NCT07065266Enrolling by invitation
Pain survey for ACL knee surgery patients
This trial is testing a simplified pain questionnaire for people who are having ACL knee surgery. The goal is to see if this shorter questionnaire can effectively measure pain levels after surgery.
Redwood City, CaliforniaAges 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.
Larkspur, 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+ - 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+ - NCT06692400Recruiting
Suctioning, pain, and blood markers in intubated patients
This study looks at how routine suctioning of the breathing tube affects pain levels and certain substances in the blood in adults who are on a breathing machine for serious infections like flu, pneumonia, COVID, or sepsis. It may help doctors better understand and manage your comfort during this procedure.
Loma Linda, CaliforniaAges 18 years+
Pain trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting pain studies listed above.
- Artemis Institute for Clinical Research · 3 studies
- Desert Oasis Healthcare Medical Group · 3 studies
- University of California, San Francisco · 2 studies
- Alethios Inc.
- Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute
- Azusa Pacific University
- Center for Functional MRI - W.M.Keck Building
- Community Regional Trauma and Burn Center
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.
Pain trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there pain clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 177 recruiting 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 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 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 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.