Clinical trials · California
Pain clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 185 recruiting pain studies with a site in California — including Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT05612750Recruiting
Online therapy for chronic pain: CBT vs one-session relief
This study compares two online treatments for chronic pain: an 8-session cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program versus a single “empowered relief” session. It aims to see which approach helps people manage pain better over time.
Long Beach, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05963607Recruiting
Weighted blanket trial to reduce chronic pain
This study tests whether using a 15-pound weighted blanket can lower pain and improve sleep for Veterans with long-lasting, non-cancer musculoskeletal pain. It may help by reducing discomfort during rest and sleep.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05986292RecruitingPhase 2
Study of new treatments for chronic pain
This study tests new treatments for chronic pain that lasts at least 3 months. Participants must stop their regular pain medicines and use only a rescue painkiller if needed. The goal is to find better ways to manage long-term pain.
Irvine, 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 - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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 - 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 - 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+ - NCT05285007Recruiting
Study tests whether limited ankle motion affects knee squats
This study looks at people with patellofemoral pain (kneecap pain) to see how limited ankle movement may affect how your knee works during single-leg squats. It may help clinicians better understand what to focus on for treatment.
Loma Linda, CaliforniaAges 18–59 - NCT07771205Recruiting
Aromatherapy for surgical anxiety and pain
This study tests whether breathing in relaxing scents before surgery can reduce anxiety and pain. If effective, it could offer a simple, drug-free way to help you feel calmer during your procedure.
Stockton, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06619860RecruitingPhase 2
VX-993 for diabetic nerve pain
This trial tests a new medicine called VX-993 for people with diabetes who have had nerve pain in both feet or legs for at least a year. The goal is to see if it reduces pain and is safe.
La Mesa, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT05354869Recruiting
Electrical stimulation therapy for pelvic floor muscle pain
This trial tests a treatment that uses gentle electrical stimulation through the vagina to reduce long-term pelvic pain caused by tight pelvic floor muscles. You might join if your pain has lasted over 6 months and exam shows specific muscle “trigger points.”
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT05265000Recruiting
Skin electrical stimulation for chronic low back pain
This study tests whether a gentle electrical treatment placed on the skin near the spine can reduce chronic low back pain. If you qualify, you’ll try the stimulation and complete several assessments over a day, so the team can measure any pain and function changes.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 21–85 - NCT04658628Recruiting
Brain scan study to learn who responds to spinal cord stimulation
This trial uses brain imaging to understand which people with long-lasting low back pain are more likely to benefit from spinal cord stimulation (SCS). If you’re being considered for an SCS trial, the scans may help researchers predict response and improve future care.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 21 years+ - NCT06377969Recruiting
Spinal cord stimulation for chronic pelvic pain
This study tests a device called a spinal cord stimulator — a small implant that sends mild electrical pulses to nerves in your spine — to see if it can reduce long-term pelvic pain that hasn't gotten better with other treatments.
Redwood City, 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 - NCT06310226Recruiting
Studying spinal cord stimulation for chronic low back pain
This study is looking at how people with chronic low back pain respond to spinal cord stimulation (a device that sends gentle electrical pulses to the spine to reduce pain). If you already have a spinal cord stimulator, you may help researchers understand how well it works and how it affects your brain.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT06025201Recruiting
Brain activity markers for chronic low back pain
This study uses a safe, non-invasive cap with sensors (EEG) to measure your brain activity and look for patterns linked to chronic low back pain. It aims to better understand pain so doctors can improve treatments.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT06628908RecruitingPhase 3
Study of suzetrigine for painful diabetic nerve damage
This trial tests an experimental medicine called suzetrigine to see if it can safely reduce pain caused by nerve damage from diabetes (diabetic peripheral neuropathy). It might be an option if you have had daily pain in both legs and current treatments haven't worked well enough.
Fresno, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT06963671Enrolling by invitation
Blood flow restriction therapy for ulnar-sided wrist pain
This study tests using a blood pressure cuff during hand therapy to see if it helps reduce ulnar-sided wrist pain and improve hand function.
Redwood City, 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.
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) · 4 studies
- Stanford University · 3 studies
- San Francisco VA Medical Center · 2 studies
- Alethios, Inc.
- Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute
- Angel City Research Inc
- Artemis Institute for Clinical Research
- Clinical Trials Research
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.