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 1, Phase 1/Phase 2, Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT05981573Recruiting
Measuring methadone doses for chronic pain
This trial is for people with chronic pain who take daily methadone. It aims to measure how much methadone is in your body to help doctors find the right dose.
Lemon Grove, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT07373210Recruiting
Placebo pills for hip surgery pain in teens and young adults
This study tests whether taking placebo pills (pills with no active drug) can help manage pain after a specific hip surgery, called Bernese Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO), in people with a hip condition called developmental dysplasia. The goal is to see if using placebos can reduce the need for pain medications and help with recovery.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 13–40 - 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+ - NCT07311889Enrolling by invitation
Patient satisfaction with ELIXIR MD during plastic surgery recovery
This study looks at how satisfied patients are with their recovery after plastic surgery when the ELIXIR MD device is used. It aims to understand if this device helps improve the recovery experience.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07308834RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Knee injection study for moderate to severe osteoarthritis pain
This study tests a new knee injection called CX-011 to see if it can reduce pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis. It may be a good option if you have tried other treatments without enough relief.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 40–75 - NCT07299474Recruiting
Lavender scent for anxiety and pain during awake ENT procedures
This study tests whether smelling lavender essential oil during an awake ear, nose, or throat procedure can help reduce anxiety and pain. If you qualify, you may receive the lavender scent during your procedure and report how you feel.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07281118Recruiting
Nerve freezing for pain after double lung transplant
This trial tests a procedure called intercostal cryoanalgesia, which freezes nerves in the chest to reduce pain after a double lung transplant. It may help you feel less pain and use fewer painkillers after surgery.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04109365Recruiting
Study of epidural placement technique during labor
This trial studies an approach to placing an epidural (pain medicine placed near the spine) during early labor. It aims to improve how safely and accurately epidurals are positioned, which may help with comfort during childbirth.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07145346Enrolling by invitationPhase 4
Suzetrigine for pain relief after multiple rib fractures
This trial tests a new medicine, suzetrigine, for managing acute pain in adults who have broken three or more ribs from a blunt injury. It aims to see if this painkiller works well and is safe for you.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07003802Enrolling by invitation
Understanding back muscle control in disc injury
This study looks at how the brain controls back muscles in people with chronic disc injuries. It compares patients before surgery or physical therapy to healthy controls to better understand muscle function.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18–60 - 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+ - NCT00823563Recruiting
Testing heart artery causes of pain without major blockage
This study looks at people who are being checked for possible heart artery–related chest or similar discomfort, but without major artery blockage (non-obstructive arteries). It aims to help doctors understand what might be causing symptoms and guide safer testing.
Stanford, 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+ - NCT06992427RecruitingPhase 3
Gabapentin to prevent opioid use for mouth pain during cancer treatment
This trial tests if taking gabapentin during chemoradiation for head and neck cancer can reduce the need for strong painkillers like opioids. It may help manage mouth pain caused by treatment.
Bakersfield, 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+ - NCT06784882RecruitingPhase 4
Continuous vs. single-injection nerve block for outpatient knee replacement
This trial compares two types of nerve blocks for pain control after total knee replacement. You will receive either a one-time injection or a continuous block that delivers medication through a small tube. The goal is to see which method provides better pain relief while allowing you to go home the same day.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06919640Enrolling by invitationPhase 1
Psilocybin and brain implant study
This trial tests whether psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) affects brain activity in people who already have a brain-sensing device implanted. It may help researchers understand how psilocybin works in the brain.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 21–75 - NCT06906939RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Brain stimulation and tai chi for knee arthritis and depression
This pilot study tests if combining brain stimulation (rTMS) with Tai Chi can help knee arthritis pain and improve depression. It compares these two treatments to see which works better for people with both pain and low mood.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 50–95 - 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 - NCT06859723RecruitingPhase 1
Effects of high potency cannabis on daily users
This study tests how high potency cannabis affects mood, thinking, and pain sensitivity in people who smoke cannabis almost every day. It will help researchers understand both immediate and long-lasting effects.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 21–55 - NCT06859710RecruitingPhase 1
THC and CBD as a harm reduction strategy
This study looks at whether different types of cannabis (containing THC and/or CBD) might help people who use cannabis regularly reduce potential harms. You will be asked to take cannabis in a controlled setting and complete tasks and questionnaires.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 21–55 - 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 - NCT06835582Enrolling by invitation
Checking Methadone and Its Breakdown Levels
This study is checking the levels of methadone and its breakdown products in your blood. It helps make sure the medication is working safely for conditions like opioid use disorder or chronic pain.
Lemon Grove, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - 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+
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
- Synergy · 2 studies
- UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center · 2 studies
- UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids · 2 studies
- University of California San Diego Health · 2 studies
- University of California, Los Angeles · 2 studies
- Advanced Clinical Research Center, LLC dba TriWest Research Associates, LLC
- AIS Cancer Center at San Joaquin Community Hospital
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.