Clinical trials · California
Postoperative Pain clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 20 recruiting postoperative pain studies with a site in California — including Early Phase 1, Phase 2/Phase 3, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT05010148RecruitingPhase 3
IV lidocaine after spinal fusion to reduce delirium and pain
This trial tests whether giving lidocaine through a vein after elective spinal fusion surgery can help prevent confusion (delirium) and reduce pain. It may help people recover more comfortably and think more clearly after surgery.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 60 years+ - NCT07771205Recruiting
Aromatherapy for surgical anxiety and pain
This study tests whether breathing in relaxing scents before surgery can reduce anxiety and pain. If effective, it could offer a simple, drug-free way to help you feel calmer during your procedure.
Stockton, 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+ - NCT06206148Recruiting
Comparing ways to record pain after surgery
This study compares different methods of recording pain after surgery to see which is easiest and most accurate. If you have surgery and can use a smartphone or a button, you may be able to help.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06020677Recruiting
Latinx children and surgery study
This study looks at how Latinx families manage their child's pain after outpatient surgery. It aims to improve care for Spanish-speaking families.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 2–7 - NCT04144972Recruiting
Closed-loop deep brain stimulation for long-lasting nerve pain
This trial tests a “smart” deep brain stimulation device that senses your brain signals and adjusts treatment to reduce severe, long-lasting pain. It may help people whose pain has not improved with multiple pain medicines and surgery cannot fix the cause.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 22–80 - NCT05091905Enrolling by invitationPhase 4
Tested nerve-block pain pumps after arm or leg surgery
This trial studies whether a timed, stop-and-go pain medicine delivery works better than a steady drip after surgery. It’s done using a small catheter placed near a nerve to help control pain.
San Diego, 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 - NCT04860141RecruitingPhase 4
Gabapentin before wisdom tooth removal to reduce pain
This trial tests whether taking gabapentin before extracting a wisdom tooth helps with pain and comfort after the procedure. It may help people who need a third-molar removal, if they meet the safety and health requirements.
Loma Linda, CaliforniaAges 18–59 - NCT05278494Recruiting
Dextromethorphan to reduce pain after knee replacement
This trial studies whether dextromethorphan (a medicine sometimes used for cough) can reduce pain after total knee replacement surgery. If you’re having this operation and meet safety criteria, it may help improve how you feel during recovery.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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+ - NCT06189781RecruitingPhase 4
Pain shot vs epidural for hip surgery in kids with cerebral palsy
This study compares a pain injection to epidural anesthesia for children with cerebral palsy having hip surgery. The goal is to see which method provides better pain control during and after the procedure.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges Up to 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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+ - 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.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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+ - 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+ - 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+
Postoperative Pain trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting postoperative pain studies listed above.
- Stanford University · 3 studies
- University of California, San Francisco · 3 studies
- Keck Medicine of USC · 2 studies
- UCLA Medical Center · 2 studies
- University of California San Diego · 2 studies
- University of California San Diego Health · 2 studies
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Children's Hospital of Orange County
What taking part in a postoperative 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.
Postoperative Pain trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there postoperative pain clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 20 recruiting postoperative 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 postoperative 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 postoperative 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 postoperative 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.