Clinical trials · California
Pain clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 177 recruiting pain studies with a site in California — including Phase 1, Phase 1/Phase 2, Phase 2, Phase 2/Phase 3 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT07276542RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Ketamine for phantom limb pain: a six-month outpatient study
This study tests whether ketamine, given as an outpatient treatment, can reduce phantom limb pain over six months. You would come to a clinic for multiple ketamine sessions, with at least a week between each session, and be followed for a year.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT07231419RecruitingPhase 3
Study of suzetrigine for diabetic nerve pain
This trial tests an experimental pain drug called suzetrigine for people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage from diabetes that causes pain in the feet and legs). It aims to see if the drug can safely reduce pain over time.
Canoga Park, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - 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.
Roseville, CaliforniaAges 40 years+ - NCT07130812Recruiting
Blood flow restriction training for rowers with back pain
This study tests whether a special training technique called blood flow restriction can help rowers aged 13-20 with mild or recurring back pain. It involves wearing bands on your legs while rowing, which may help you build strength and recover while reducing pain.
Loma Linda, CaliforniaAges 13–20 - 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 - NCT07122843Recruiting
VR and AI meditation for hospital pain relief
This study tests if a virtual reality (VR) meditation program can help reduce pain in hospitalized patients. If you have at least moderate pain (4 out of 10 or higher) and can speak English or Spanish, you may be able to join.
Los Angeles, 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 - 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 - NCT05266040RecruitingPhase 2
Valacyclovir to reduce pain from infected tooth abscess
This Phase 2 study tests whether valacyclovir, an antiviral medicine, can help reduce moderate-to-severe pain from an acute infected tooth abscess. Participants also receive standard dental treatment, and the study looks at whether the added medicine helps with pain.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT06980948RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Gene therapy study for nerve pain from small fiber neuropathy
This trial tests a new gene therapy called ST-503 for people with long-lasting nerve pain from small fiber neuropathy that hasn't improved with standard treatments. The study will check if the treatment is safe and tolerable.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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+ - NCT06960317Recruiting
Numbing injection for IUD placement pain
This study tests whether a numbing injection (lidocaine) in the cervix can reduce pain during IUD placement. It's for women who have never had a vaginal birth and are getting their first IUD.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18–50 - NCT06728579RecruitingPhase 2
Group therapy for joint pain in breast cancer survivors
This study tests two supportive group programs—one using mindfulness skills, the other providing supportive talk therapy—to help breast cancer survivors manage joint pain caused by hormone-blocking pills. If you have ongoing joint pain and are taking an aromatase inhibitor, you may be able to join a free, video-based group.
San Diego, 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 - NCT06665204Recruiting
Knee pain treatment study for active military
This study tests whether following a standard treatment guide helps active-duty service members with kneecap pain feel better. You would receive physical therapy and be monitored for a few weeks.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06661850Recruiting
New imaging test to guide lower back surgery decisions
This study tests a new imaging tool called Nociscan to see if it helps doctors decide who will benefit from lumbar spine surgery for low back pain. It may help predict surgical outcomes and guide treatment.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - 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 - 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.
Bakersfield, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT06573996Recruiting
Testing a mouth TENS device for braces pain
This trial tests if a small device placed inside the mouth can ease pain from braces. You'll receive either real or fake treatment with the TENS device to see if it helps with soreness after adjustments.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 12 years+ - NCT06565416Recruiting
Pain & opioid treatment in Native communities
This study is testing better ways to treat pain and opioid use in Native American communities. It may help if you have chronic pain or struggle with opioids.
Arcata, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06566664Enrolling by invitation
Peripheral neurostimulation for improving nerve block placement in upper limb surgery
This study looks at using peripheral neurostimulation to improve the placement of nerve blocks for upper limb surgery. It may help you get better pain control during and after your operation.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06421350Recruiting
Closed-loop spinal cord stimulation for complex regional pain syndrome
This trial tests a new type of spinal cord stimulator that automatically adjusts to your pain signals. It may help people with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) who have not tried this kind of therapy before.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06394830RecruitingPhase 2
Testing VNX001 for bladder pain syndrome
This study tests a new treatment (VNX001) for people with interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). You must have already taken part in an earlier study of this drug to join. The goal is to see if it safely reduces bladder pain.
Fresno, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06374238Recruiting
Peer support for young people with sickle cell pain
This study tests whether having a peer mentor who also has sickle cell disease can help young people manage chronic pain. You would use a mobile app to connect with your mentor and track your pain.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 16–39
Pain trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting pain studies listed above.
- Long Beach Research Institute · 2 studies
- Stanford University · 2 studies
- Angel City Research
- Artemis Institute for Clinical Research - Riverside
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Clinic Site A (blinded pending tribal approval)
- Clinical Trials Research
- Diablo Clinical 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 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.