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 2, Phase 2/Phase 3, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT06788717Enrolling by invitation
Study on Hip Revision Stem Performance
This study is checking how well a specific hip implant (the Comprehensive Revision Stem) works in people who need hip replacement. It helps make sure the implant is safe and effective over time.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–100 - NCT06778447Recruiting
Trial of disc tissue injection for degenerative disc disease
This study tests an experimental treatment that injects donated disc tissue (called an allograft) into damaged discs in your lower back. It's designed for people with chronic low back pain from disc degeneration who haven't found relief from non-surgical treatments.
Napa, CaliforniaAges 22–85 - 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+ - NCT06671002RecruitingPhase 4
Pain medicine safety study for kids having surgery
This study compares different pain medicines to see which works best and is safest for children after surgery for tonsil removal, gallbladder removal, or knee arthroscopy. It aims to help find the most effective and least risky pain control option.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 12–20 - NCT06583395Enrolling by invitation
Meditation retreat study with fitness tracker
This trial studies people attending a 7-day meditation retreat to see how meditation affects well-being. You will wear a fitness tracker and answer surveys.
Palm Desert, CaliforniaAges 21 years+ - NCT04979338RecruitingPhase 3
Opioid-sparing pain control for gender-affirming surgery
This Phase 3 study tests ways to manage pain during and after gender-affirming surgery while using less opioid medicine. It may help improve comfort after surgery and reduce opioid-related side effects.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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 - NCT06123286RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Tart cherry and omega-3s for joint pain from hormone therapy
This study tests whether taking tart cherry and omega-3 supplements can help reduce joint pain and stiffness caused by aromatase inhibitors (a common breast cancer treatment). If you have bothersome joint pain while on this hormone therapy, you may be able to join.
Torrance, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04724252RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Gabapentin to help children use less opioid after surgery
This study tests whether gabapentin can reduce how much opioid pain medicine children need after certain major chest or heart surgeries. If it works, it may lower opioid-related side effects while still helping with postoperative pain.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges Up to 17 years - 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 - NCT06069154Enrolling by invitation
Freezing nerves for rib fracture pain
This study tests a procedure called cryoneurolysis, which uses cold to temporarily freeze nerves near broken ribs to relieve pain. It is for adults who have 1 to 6 recently broken ribs with at least moderate pain and are already getting a nerve block injection.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05991453Recruiting
Recovery after IV vs. inhaled anesthesia for non-cardiac surgery
This trial compares recovery after two types of general anesthesia: one given through an IV (propofol) and one inhaled as a gas. It aims to see which approach leads to a smoother recovery for people having non-cardiac surgery.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05865470RecruitingPhase 1
How age affects smoked and oral THC effects
This early-stage study compares how people in different age groups respond to THC taken by smoking versus by mouth. It aims to understand age-related differences in effects and safety, which could help guide safer use in the future.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT05746143RecruitingPhase 4
Zolpidem during recovery after lower-back fusion surgery
This trial studies whether taking zolpidem around the time of recovery from lower-back (lumbar) fusion surgery affects outcomes. It may help doctors understand how sleep medicine can (or can’t) support recovery in certain people.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT05737121RecruitingPhase 2
Study drug for bladder pain compared with lidocaine, heparin, or placebo
This Phase 2 trial tests VNX001 to see if it helps people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) compared with its separate ingredients (lidocaine and heparin) or a placebo (inactive treatment). You may be eligible if you have had IC/BPS for months and recently had a moderate-to-severe bladder pain flare.
Escondido, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03230565RecruitingPhase 4
Continuous vs bolus pain medication through nerve catheter
This study compares two ways of delivering numbing pain medicine through a nerve catheter after surgery: a steady infusion versus scheduled bolus doses. It aims to see which method works better and is easier to use for post-operative pain control.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05658575RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Tablets to treat sudden gout flare pain
This trial studies dapansutrile tablets (OLT1177) to see how well they work for people in the first 4 days of an acute gout flare. It may help reduce pain and inflammation in the specific joint where your gout is flaring.
Los Angeles, 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 - NCT05437575RecruitingPhase 3
Testing pain medicine given before arrival to a trauma center
This study tests whether giving pain medicine soon after an injury (before you reach the trauma center) improves comfort and care. You might be eligible if you’re transported to a participating trauma center and meet specific shock and pain levels.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05444361Enrolling by invitation
Ultrasound freezing treatment for pain after mastectomy
This trial tests a “freezing” nerve procedure guided by ultrasound to help reduce pain after mastectomy. It aims to lessen postoperative pain by temporarily calming specific nerves involved in chest wall sensation.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05245695Recruiting
Endometriosis test using deep computer learning during surgery
This trial studies whether a computer (deep neural network) can better identify endometriosis in people with long-lasting pelvic pain using information from surgery. It may help doctors sort who has endometriosis more accurately when surgery is already planned.
Burbank, CaliforniaAges 14–50 - NCT05247255Enrolling by invitationEarly Phase 1
Nerve block during hip replacement surgery
This early-stage study tests whether a specific nerve block to numb the lower back area can make total hip replacement surgery more comfortable. It looks at patients who are having planned (elective) hip replacement and whether the nerve block is safe and works well.
Santa Monica, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04984291Recruiting
Study of shoulder replacement implants for eligible adults
This trial looks at a specific shoulder replacement implant and follow-up care for people who need a shoulder arthroplasty (shoulder replacement) for certain joint problems or fractures. You may be a candidate if you can take part in required visits and your shoulder muscles and bone are suitable.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 20 years+ - NCT04929951RecruitingPhase 1
Micro fat injection to treat shoulder arthritis
This Phase 1 study tests whether a micro-fragmented fat (MFAT) injection can reduce symptoms and improve shoulder function in people with shoulder osteoarthritis. It’s early research, so the goal is mainly to see if the treatment is safe and possibly helpful.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 25–75
Pain trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting pain studies listed above.
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · 3 studies
- Stanford University · 3 studies
- University of California San Diego · 2 studies
- University of California, San Francisco · 2 studies
- All South Bay Footcare/Podiatry Group, Inc.
- Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute
- American Institute of Research
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center - North and South Towers
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.