Clinical trials · California
Pain clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 185 recruiting pain studies with a site in California — including Phase 1, Phase 1/Phase 2, Phase 2, Phase 2/Phase 3, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- 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+ - 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 - NCT03137472Recruiting
Brain stimulation to treat complex regional pain syndrome
This trial studies whether noninvasive brain stimulation (TMS) can reduce pain in people with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). It may help if your CRPS has lasted at least a few months and you can safely undergo the stimulation and study tasks.
Redwood City, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT07652944Recruiting
Magnetic field therapy for chronic lower back pain
This trial tests whether magnetic fields applied to your back can relieve chronic lower back pain that has lasted at least 12 weeks. It's for people aged 18 to 64 who are willing to attend all study visits.
Edwards Air Force Base, CaliforniaAges 18–64 - NCT07464639Enrolling by invitation
Comparing two ways to help shoulder pain with movement feedback
This study compares using ultrasound images (dynamic visual feedback) versus manual guidance to help activate shoulder blade muscles and improve space in the shoulder joint for people with shoulder pain when lifting their arm.
Long Beach, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - 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+ - NCT06185816RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Non-invasive pulsed radiofrequency for nerve pain
This trial tests a non-invasive treatment called pulsed radiofrequency for people with chronic nerve pain after an injury. It uses a device that sends short bursts of energy to the painful area to help reduce pain without surgery.
Redwood City, 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+ - 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.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06975072RecruitingPhase 4
Can magnesium affect nerve monitoring during back surgery?
This study tests if giving magnesium during open thoracolumbar fusion surgery (a type of back surgery) affects nerve monitoring. It might help find the right dose for patients while keeping their nerves safe.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04278404Recruiting
Drug safety study for children already on certain medicines
This study measures how certain medicines move through the body and checks their safety in children. It may help doctors better understand dosing and side effects in kids who are already receiving these treatments, or in some kids who recently tested positive for COVID-19.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges birth–20 years - NCT03365908Enrolling by invitation
Pain Management After ACL Reconstruction Surgery
This study looks at ways to manage pain in adults who are getting surgery to repair a torn ACL (a knee ligament). It may help improve comfort and recovery after ACL reconstruction.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 18–45 - NCT07308834RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Injection for knee osteoarthritis pain
This study tests an injection called CX-011 for people with knee osteoarthritis who still have moderate to severe pain despite trying other treatments. The goal is to see if the injection can reduce pain and improve knee function.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 40–75 - NCT06717308Recruiting
Testing a gentler adhesive drape for wound therapy
This trial compares a special adhesive drape (the switchable one) with the standard drape during negative pressure wound therapy (a treatment that uses suction to help heal wounds after surgery). The goal is to see if the new drape causes less pain when removed.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06884865RecruitingPhase 2
Study of an experimental knee injection for osteoarthritis pain
This study tests a new investigational medicine injected into the knee to see if it is safe and tolerable for people with painful knee osteoarthritis. It may help reduce pain and improve knee function.
Beverly Hills, CaliforniaAges 45–80 - NCT07353931RecruitingPhase 3
Study of eloralintide for knee osteoarthritis pain in people with overweight or obesity
This trial tests an investigational drug called eloralintide to see if it can reduce knee pain in people with osteoarthritis who also have overweight or obesity. You may be able to join if you have knee osteoarthritis, a BMI of 27 or higher, and have tried to lose weight with diet before.
Fountain Valley, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04085406Recruiting
Deep brain stimulation for hard-to-treat low back pain
This trial studies deep brain stimulation (DBS) to reduce severe low back pain that hasn’t improved after many standard treatments and procedures. It may help people whose pain is long-lasting and not fixable with another surgery.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 40–75 - NCT06808022Enrolling by invitation
Back exercises before spine surgery
This trial studies whether doing back exercises before spine surgery helps improve recovery. If you are having spine surgery and can safely do physical therapy, you may be able to join.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07717918RecruitingPhase 1
Testing a new eye drop for capsaicin-induced eye pain
This trial tests whether a new eye drop, BL1332, can reduce eye pain caused by capsaicin (the compound that makes chili peppers spicy). If you are a healthy adult and have no eye problems, this study could help see if the drop is safe and works.
Newport Beach, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06995352Enrolling by invitationPhase 4
Better pain relief after ankle surgery
This trial compares two methods of pain management after ankle surgery: a one-time injection of long-lasting numbing medicine (liposomal bupivacaine) versus a continuous nerve block via a small tube (catheter) placed near the nerve. The goal is to find which approach provides better pain relief with fewer side effects.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06985784Recruiting
Virtual reality for head and neck cancer patients and caregivers
This study tests whether using virtual reality can help reduce depression, anxiety, and pain in people with head and neck cancer and their caregivers. You and your caregiver may be able to use VR headsets together as part of your treatment.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05657964Recruiting
Study of a back pain exercise program for chronic low back pain
This trial tests whether a structured exercise/education program can help people with chronic lower back pain. You may qualify if your pain and disability scores are high enough and you can complete study activities in English.
Redwood City, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06080464Recruiting
Doctor satisfaction with VERABAND™ for chronic low back pain
This study tests how satisfied doctors are with a wearable device called VERABAND™ that monitors movement in people with chronic low back pain. If your pain limits your ability to move, you may be able to help researchers understand if this device is useful during your regular non-surgical treatment.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18–85 - NCT06365892Recruiting
Open-label placebo for pain after scoliosis surgery
This trial tests whether taking a placebo pill that you know is a placebo (open-label placebo) can help reduce pain after spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis. It compares the placebo to standard care in adolescents aged 11-17.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 10–18
Pain trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting pain studies listed above.
- Stanford University · 5 studies
- University of California San Diego Health · 2 studies
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) · 2 studies
- University of California, San Francisco · 2 studies
- 412 Medical Group
- All South Bay Footcare/Podiatry Group, Inc.
- Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute
- Ambros Clinical Trial 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.