Clinical trials · North Carolina
Pain clinical trials in North Carolina
We’re tracking 72 recruiting pain studies with a site in North Carolina — including Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in North Carolina
- NCT04427709RecruitingPhase 2
Testing a brain-activity measure using oxytocin and eye movements
This study tests whether a particular brain-activity signal—seen in small rhythmic eye movements—can be measured reliably. It also looks at how oxytocin (a hormone used in medical settings) affects that signal.
Winston-Salem, North CarolinaAges 18–75 - NCT04734106RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Aloe vera for bladder pain and frequent urination
This early-stage study tests whether aloe vera can reduce symptoms of interstitial cystitis, such as bladder pain and frequent urination. You’d help researchers check both safety and symptom relief.
Winston-Salem, North CarolinaAges 18–80 - NCT05149573Recruiting
PEMF therapy for women with painful bladder symptoms
This trial studies whether a device that uses gentle pulsed electromagnetic waves (PEMF) can reduce symptoms in women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). It may help if your symptoms are currently fairly severe and ongoing.
Winston-Salem, North CarolinaAges 18–80 - 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.
Charlotte, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT05722002RecruitingPhase 4
Compare pain-med plans after low-risk surgery
This study tests which pain-medication plan works best and has the fewest side effects after certain low-risk surgeries. You may be assigned to receive opioid-based, NSAID-based, or acetaminophen-based pain control depending on your situation.
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - 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.
Winston-Salem, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT05905419Recruiting
Brain scan study of opioid effects in women with pain
This study uses brain imaging (MRI) to understand how opioid medications may affect the brain in women. People with chronic pain who take opioids (or do not) and healthy women without chronic pain may be invited to participate.
Durham, North CarolinaAges 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.
Winston-Salem, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT06077227Recruiting
Virtual reality for phantom limb pain
This study tests whether virtual reality therapy can help reduce phantom limb pain or uncomfortable sensations after amputation. If you have a major limb amputation and feel pain or other sensations in the missing limb, this might be an option to try.
Charlotte, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT06271265RecruitingPhase 1
Testing EXPAREL for pain after heart surgery in children
This study tests a long-acting pain medicine (EXPAREL) given during heart surgery to see how it works in young children. The goal is to help control pain after surgery with fewer side effects.
Durham, North CarolinaAges birth–6 years - 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.
Charlotte, North CarolinaAges 18–75 - NCT06538246Recruiting
Coping skills training for heart and lung failure survivors
This study tests a coping skills training program to help people who recently survived a serious heart or lung problem feel less anxious, depressed, or stressed. If you were in the ICU and now feel distressed at home, you may be able to join.
Durham, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT06576830RecruitingPhase 4
Pain relief study for kids having tonsil surgery
This study tests different ways to manage pain after tonsillectomy in children. The goal is to find better pain relief options.
Durham, North CarolinaAges 3–17 - 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.
New Bern, North CarolinaAges 22–85 - NCT07092566RecruitingPhase 3
Pain relief after robotic kidney surgery: R.E.C.K. vs Exparel
This trial tests two different pain-relief medicines (R.E.C.K. and Exparel) given during robotic kidney surgery. It aims to find which works better to control pain after the operation.
Charlotte, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT07191067Recruiting
Study of NOVABLOC system for knee replacement pain
This trial tests a new device called the NOVABLOC system to see if it helps control pain during and after knee replacement surgery. It is for people with osteoarthritis who are having their first knee replacement on one knee.
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaAges 21 years+ - NCT07203534Recruiting
Virtual reality for pain and anxiety during bone marrow biopsy
This study tests if using a virtual reality headset during and after a bone marrow biopsy can help reduce pain and anxiety. If you are scheduled for this procedure, you may be able to participate.
Charlotte, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT07337902Recruiting
Comparing pain medicines for menstrual cramps in Crohn’s disease
This study tests two common over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen and acetaminophen) to see which works better for menstrual cramps in women who also have Crohn's disease while in remission. If you have Crohn's and painful periods, this may help you find a safer option.
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaAges 18–44 - 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.
Ahoskie, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT07479199Recruiting
Radiofrequency ablation and radiation for painful spine tumors
This trial tests a treatment that uses heat (radiofrequency ablation) and radiation to relieve pain from tumors in the spine. It may help if you have cancer that has spread to your upper or lower back and you have moderate to severe pain.
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaAges 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.
Wilmington, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT05415384Recruiting
Cryotherapy plus surgery for broken ribs
This trial tests whether adding cryotherapy (freezing treatment to the injury area) to standard surgery for broken, displaced ribs can improve recovery. It’s for adults with multiple broken ribs who are getting a surgical stabilization procedure soon after injury.
Winston-Salem, North CarolinaAges 18–80 - 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.
Statesville, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT06228755Enrolling by invitation
Study on group integrative care for chronic pain
This study looks at how well group medical visits that combine different treatments (like mind-body approaches) work for people with chronic pain. It aims to make these visits more available and helpful.
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaAges 18 years+
Pain trials by city in North Carolina
Where these studies are running in North Carolina
Institutions with a site for the recruiting pain studies listed above.
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences · 5 studies
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · 4 studies
- Duke University Medical Center · 3 studies
- Crystal Coast Pain Management · 2 studies
- Levine Cancer Institute · 2 studies
- Accellacare
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (Wake Forest Baptist)
- Carolinas Medical Center/Levine Cancer Institute
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 North Carolina?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 72 recruiting pain studies with a site in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina?
- 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 North Carolina to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina 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.