Clinical trials · California
Pain clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 185 recruiting pain studies with a site in California — including Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- 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 - NCT05883436Recruiting
Testing a specific neck fusion implant for nerve pain
This trial studies a specific implant used to fuse certain neck discs (C3 to C7) in people with nerve-related arm symptoms. It may help by supporting healing of the painful, damaged disc(s) and improving arm pain or numbness.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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 - 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+ - 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.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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 - NCT07228390RecruitingPhase 2
Testing ritlecitinib for hidradenitis suppurativa in adults
This study tests an oral medicine called ritlecitinib for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in adults who haven't responded well to antibiotics. The goal is to see if it can reduce painful red lumps and improve quality of life.
Fountain Valley, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - 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 - 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+ - 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 - NCT06778447Recruiting
Disc injection for chronic low back pain
This study tests whether injecting a special disc material (nucleus pulposus allograft) into the damaged discs of your lower back can safely reduce pain and improve function. It's for people with long-term, moderate to severe low back pain from disc disease that hasn't gotten better with other treatments.
Napa, CaliforniaAges 22–85 - 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+ - 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 - 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 - NCT06917404RecruitingPhase 3
Knee osteoarthritis pain study: comparing a new injection to placebo
This phase 3 study tests whether a medicine called pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS), given as a shot under the skin, reduces pain in people with knee osteoarthritis. It compares PPS to a placebo (a shot with no active medicine) to see if it is safe and effective.
Oceanside, 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.
Dublin, 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+ - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - NCT01550575Recruiting
Study of outcomes in people treated with Boston Scientific devices
This study looks back at what happened to patients after treatment (or if they could have used) Boston Scientific medical devices. It may help improve how these devices are used and understand real-world results.
Bakersfield, 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+ - 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+ - 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+
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, Los Angeles (UCLA) · 5 studies
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · 3 studies
- University of California, San Francisco · 3 studies
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles · 2 studies
- Stanford University · 2 studies
- University of California San Diego Health · 2 studies
- AIS Cancer Center at San Joaquin Community Hospital
- Alethios, Inc.
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.