Research and clinical trials
Research plays an important role in improving our understanding of pain, developing new treatment options, and finding better ways to support people living with pain.
Researchers are studying everything from medications and medical devices to non-drug therapies, self-management strategies, and the ways pain affects daily life. These efforts can help improve pain care and quality of life for millions of people.
People living with pain also have an important role in advancing research. By participating in clinical trials, surveys, interviews, and other studies, individuals can share their experiences and help researchers better understand what matters most to patients.
Whether you’re interested in participating in a study or learning about the latest developments in pain research, the resources below can help you explore your options.
CURRENT RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
U.S. Pain Foundation shares select research opportunities to help individuals learn about studies involving different pain conditions, treatments, and approaches to care.
Each study has its own eligibility requirements, time commitments, and potential risks and benefits. Contact the research team directly to learn more and confirm whether a study is currently enrolling participants.
Stanford TRAC-PAIN Study
Targeted Real-time Assessment of Chronic Pain (TRAC-Pain) in Youth Study
Researchers at Stanford University are conducting a 12-week research study using Apple Watches and surveys to better understand chronic musculoskeletal pain in teens and young adults. By tracking heart rate, sleep, activity, and pain, researchers aim to develop a “digital biosignature” that could improve treatment and quality of life.
Want more information? Click here.
Botanical CBD extract research study for individuals diagnosed with CRPS
The aim of this trial is to determine the potential effects and mechanisms of cannabinoid-induced pain relief in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
Click here to take the screening.
FIND A CLINICAL TRIAL
Find Clinical Trials with Antidote
U.S. Pain Foundation offers a clinical trial matching tool powered by Antidote to help people explore studies that may be a good fit.
Rather than searching through individual study listings, you can answer a series of questions about your health condition and other relevant information. Antidote uses your responses to identify clinical trials that may match your circumstances and helps you learn more about potential opportunities.
Antidote is a digital health company that delivers clear, unbiased information about clinical trial options. Through a series of questions, it aims to match you with the best trial, regardless of sponsor. Find its privacy policy here
Search ClinicalTrials.gov
ClinicalTrials.gov is a free, searchable database maintained by the National Library of Medicine. It provides information about clinical studies taking place across the United States and around the world.
You can search by diagnosis, location, age, treatment type, and recruitment status. Each study listing includes information about eligibility requirements, what participation involves, and how to contact the research team.
Both resources can help you identify studies to explore. Finding a potential match does not guarantee eligibility, and the research team will determine whether you qualify to participate.
What Should You Know Before Participating in Research?
Participating in research can help advance our understanding of pain and inform future treatment options. However, every study is different, and participating may not be the right choice for everyone.
Some clinical trials evaluate new medications, medical devices, or treatments. Other studies may involve surveys, interviews, monitoring symptoms, or collecting information about people’s experiences without changing their care.
Before deciding whether to participate, it’s important to understand what the study involves and how it may affect you.
Questions to Ask Before Joining a Study
-
What is the purpose of the study?
-
What would I be asked to do, and how much time would participation require?
-
Would I need to change or stop any of my current treatments?
-
What are the potential risks and benefits?
-
Would I need to travel, or can I participate remotely?
-
Are there any costs? Is compensation or travel reimbursement available?
-
How will my personal and medical information be protected?
-
Who should I contact if I have questions or experience a problem during the study?
-
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Your participation is voluntary. You have the right to ask questions before agreeing to participate and throughout the study. You can also choose to stop participating.
Researchers should explain the study, including its potential risks and benefits, through an informed consent process. Participating in a clinical trial does not guarantee that you will receive a new treatment or experience pain relief.
Discussing a study with your healthcare professional can also help you understand how participation might affect your current pain management plan.
For additional guidance, visit:
ClinicalTrials.gov: Learn About Studies
Questions to Ask About Volunteering for a Research Study — HHS
Explore the Latest Pain Research
You don’t have to participate in a study to stay informed about pain research. Research articles, clinical studies, and scientific reviews can provide insight into emerging treatments, new discoveries, and ongoing efforts to improve pain care.
The following resources can help you explore research related to specific pain conditions, treatments, and approaches to care.
Research Databases
-
PubMed — A free database of biomedical and healthcare research, including studies related to pain conditions and treatments.
-
Cochrane Library — Systematic reviews that evaluate available research on healthcare treatments and interventions.
-
Google Scholar — A search tool for scholarly articles, studies, and other academic publications.
Pain Research Journals
Research News and Updates
A tip for exploring research: Try searching for your specific pain condition along with a topic you’re interested in, such as treatment, sleep, physical therapy, or quality of life.
Some scientific articles require a subscription, but many provide a free summary, called an abstract. You can also look for research reviews that bring together findings from multiple studies.
Remember that one study rarely provides all the answers. Findings may be preliminary, and a treatment being researched isn’t necessarily proven safe or effective. If you come across research that interests you, consider discussing it with your healthcare professional.
About the Research Opportunities Shared by U.S. Pain Foundation
U.S. Pain Foundation shares research opportunities for educational and informational purposes. Inclusion on this page does not constitute an endorsement of any study, research sponsor, investigational treatment, or product.
U.S. Pain Foundation does not conduct or oversee the studies listed here. Individuals should review study information carefully, contact the research team with questions, and discuss potential participation with their healthcare professionals.
