Clinical trials · California
Pain clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 185 recruiting 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
- 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 - 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 - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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 - 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 - 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+ - NCT06848348RecruitingPhase 2
Halneuron for chemotherapy-induced nerve pain
This trial tests whether the drug Halneuron can safely reduce nerve pain caused by common chemotherapy drugs (platinum and taxane). It is for people whose nerve pain started after chemotherapy and whose cancer is not currently getting worse.
Fountain Valley, 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+ - 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+ - NCT04556890Recruiting
Brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression and chronic pain
This study tests a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment, called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), to see if it can help people who have both major depression that hasn't improved with medication and chronic pain from fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. It aims to reduce both depression and pain symptoms.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - 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+ - 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+ - 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+ - 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+ - 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 - 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.
Long Beach, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04907643Recruiting
Virtual reality program to reduce stomach-cancer pain
This trial tests whether virtual reality (VR) can improve pain and other day-to-day symptoms in people with certain gastrointestinal cancers. You’d use VR for pain relief while researchers measure how you’re feeling.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–99 - NCT04923477Recruiting
Exercise study for shoulder tendon pain and pinching
This trial studies a specific therapeutic exercise program for rotator cuff tendon pain and subacromial pain (a pinching-type shoulder problem). It also looks at what changes in your symptoms and body function after the exercises.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–55 - 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+ - NCT05351801RecruitingPhase 2
Test cannabis-based treatment for nerve pain
This Phase 2 study tests cannabis-derived products to see if they reduce neuropathic (nerve-related) pain in veterans. It may help people whose pain is persistent and causes significant daily impact, especially if certain exam tests show allodynia (pain from normally non-painful touch).
West Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 21 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, Los Angeles (UCLA) · 2 studies
- University of California, San Francisco · 2 studies
- Azusa Pacific University
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Center for Functional MRI - W.M.Keck Building
- Central Recruiting Site
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 185 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.