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 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT04109638Recruiting
PEMF therapy to reduce pain after shoulder or knee surgery
This trial studies whether PEMF, a type of non-surgical device that uses pulsed electromagnetic fields, can reduce pain after shoulder or knee surgery. If you join, you’ll also be expected to do post-surgery physical therapy exercises and report your pain and function.
Redwood City, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03858205Recruiting
Low-dose radiation to relieve pain from bone tumors
This trial studies whether low-dose radiation can reduce pain from a specific bone lesion caused by multiple myeloma. It may help people whose main problem is painful bone metastasis, with targeted treatment to the painful spot.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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 - 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+ - NCT03427736Recruiting
Anesthetics and pain medicines study for children
This study looks at how children process certain anesthetics and pain medicines. It aims to find the best doses for safety and effectiveness.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 6 months–17 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+ - NCT04849455RecruitingPhase 4
Nerve-block catheters plus spinal morphine for liver surgery pain
This trial tests whether placing pain-relief catheters near the back muscle plus giving morphine into the spinal fluid can improve comfort during and after liver surgery. It may help reduce the need for stronger opioid pain medicines afterward.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05504499Recruiting
Test a new implant for low back pain with mild narrowing
This trial studies a new spine implant placed between the bones to help relieve low back pain. You may be a candidate if imaging shows mild-to-moderate spinal narrowing and you’ve already tried non-surgical treatments for at least 3 months.
Santa Rosa, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07826936RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Nerve block for severe abdominal pain in the emergency department
This trial tests whether a nerve block can provide better pain relief for severe abdominal pain that hasn't improved with standard pain medicine. It's for people who are not candidates for surgery and are in the emergency department or already in the hospital.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07715591Recruiting
Relaxing breathing during awake cataract surgery
This study tests a special breathing and pain education program to help you stay calm and comfortable during cataract surgery while you are awake. It may reduce pain and anxiety without extra medicine.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges Any age - NCT07679074Recruiting
Samphire guided care program for women's mood and brain fog
This 12-week program tests a mobile app and gentle brain stimulation device designed to help women manage mood and thinking problems linked to their menstrual cycle, perimenopause, or menopause. It aims to improve day-to-day well-being, work productivity, and overall quality of life.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT07672015RecruitingPhase 4
Testing a new pain drug in surgery patients at risk for opioid dependence
This trial tests a new painkiller called suzetrigine for post-surgery pain. It's designed for people whose medical records suggest they may have a higher chance of needing strong painkillers (opioids) long after surgery. We want to see if suzetrigine works better at preventing that.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07625150Recruiting
PET/MRI Imaging Study of Kneecap Joint Osteoarthritis
This research study uses advanced imaging (PET and MRI scans) to better understand osteoarthritis in the front of the knee, where the kneecap meets the thighbone. You'll help researchers learn how to detect and track this condition earlier.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07591584Recruiting
Digestive Enzyme Blend for Bloating and Gas Relief
This study tests whether a daily digestive enzyme supplement designed to break down certain hard-to-digest foods can reduce bloating and belly pain. You'll use a smartphone app to track your symptoms over several weeks to see if the enzyme helps.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07581080Recruiting
Biofield therapy to ease fatigue from cancer immunotherapy
This study tests whether Reiki—a hands-on healing practice—can help reduce severe tiredness in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy drugs. If it works, it could offer patients another way to manage fatigue alongside their cancer treatment.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05816226RecruitingPhase 3
Topical cream for jaw joint pain
This Phase 3 study tests a skin-applied treatment (a cream or gel) to reduce pain in the jaw joint (TMJ). You may benefit if you have TMJ pain and can safely use the study medication without conflicting treatments.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07561827RecruitingPhase 3
Nerve Block for Pain After Spine Surgery in Teens
This trial tests whether a numbing injection around the spine muscles (erector spinae plane block) reduces pain and the need for strong pain medications after back surgery for scoliosis in teenagers. The goal is to help young patients recover more comfortably.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 10–18 - NCT07509307RecruitingPhase 3
Study of a new medicine for weight loss and knee pain in osteoarthritis
This trial tests if a new medicine, NNC0487-0111, can help people with excess weight and knee osteoarthritis lose weight and reduce knee pain. It is for people who have had knee pain for at least three months and who can stop taking pain relievers for short periods before study visits.
Lancaster, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07505797Recruiting
Ultrasound imaging study for suspicious breast lesions
This study is testing a new ultrasound device (ATUSA) to see how well it can image breast lesions that have been classified as suspicious (BI-RADS 4 or 5). If you have a recent finding that needs further evaluation, this research might help improve detection methods.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 18–94 - NCT07481630RecruitingPhase 3
Testing a new medicine for weight loss and knee pain
This study tests if a new medicine called NNC0487-0111 can help people with extra weight and knee osteoarthritis lose weight and reduce knee pain. If you have knee pain most days and are willing to stop pain relievers for short periods, you may be able to join.
Walnut Creek, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07463430Enrolling by invitationPhase 4
Suzetrigine for pain after non-mastectomy breast surgery
This trial tests a new pain medication, suzetrigine, for people having breast surgery (not mastectomy) who are expected to have moderate pain. It checks if this drug works well compared to standard options.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07434583Recruiting
Force sensor study for laryngeal surgery patients
This trial tests a force sensor tool used during laryngeal surgery (surgery on the voice box) via direct laryngoscopy (a tube inserted through the mouth). It may help surgeons apply the right amount of force to reduce tongue injuries.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07434635RecruitingPhase 4
Atropine for pain after vitrectomy surgery
This study tests whether atropine eye drops can reduce pain and prevent scar tissue (called posterior synechiae) after vitrectomy surgery. The goal is to see if this treatment helps you recover more comfortably.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07427862Recruiting
Virtual reality for kids having interventional radiology
This study tests if using virtual reality (VR) during interventional radiology procedures can help children feel more comfortable and less anxious. It is looking for children ages 8 and older who are in the normal range of development.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 8 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, San Francisco · 3 studies
- University of California San Diego · 2 studies
- Alethios Digital Research Platform (Decentralized)
- Ambros Clinical Trial Site
- Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles
- City of Hope
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.