Pain Clinical Trials

The purpose of this research study is to test whether researchers can reliably measure the response pupils have when an acute painful stimulus is experienced. Changes in the size of the pupil of the eye can be an indicator of brain activity in a region of the brain that is important for feeling pain. Read Less

The first objective of the study is to evaluate whether a novel bio-signature (derived from a wide range of pro- and anti-nociceptive IL-1 family cytokine activity) will predict pain experienced and also release of underlying endogenous opioid neurotransmitters during an experimental nociceptive pain challenge, which will be performed while simultaneously quantifying mu-opioid receptor activity in the brain via [11C]-carfentanil PET neuroimaging in healthy subjects. Another objective is to evaluate whether an anti-inflammatory drug that reduces activation of IL-1b (minocycline) will perturb the balance between pro- and anti-nociceptive IL-1 cytokines and effect a reduction in pain experienced (and endogenous opioids released) during the experimental, nociceptive pain challenge. A final objective is to evaluate performance characteristics (sensitivity, accuracy, dynamic range) of the biosignature for the purpose of predicting post-operative pain. Read Less

Some research suggests that administration of oxytocin with oxycodone may reduce its abuse liability and improve its ability to reduce pain. In a 6-session laboratory study, we will be evaluating the effects of oxycodone and oxytocin (combined and separately, across sessions) on experimentally-induced pain, subjective effects, and decision-making. Read Less

The purpose of this research is to assess the analgesic and subjective effects of terpenes administered alone and in combination of THC. Read Less

Nationally, the opioid crisis has become a major epidemic with increasing mortality rates each year. Orthopedic surgeons routinely prescribe narcotics instead of NSAIDs for post-op pain control because of risk of delayed healing and nonunion due to NSAID use. Orthopedic oncology, however, has a unique subset of patients that undergo prophylactic placement of intramedullary femoral nails. Because no fracture is present, these patients do not rely on inflammatory healing factors, allowing for post-op NSAID use. This study sets out to determine the effect of post-op toradol use in addition to opioids compared to solely opioids in patients undergoing prophylactic nailing of the femur. Read Less

The purpose of this research is to determine the effect that repeated, personalized virtual reality experiences have on symptom severity, comparing self-reported symptom severity both pre and post each session, and overtime across sessions. We will also determine if this intervention results in a high rating of presence in VR, and if presence is related to the magnitude of the change in symptoms. Read Less

Over one-quarter of American adults engage in hazardous drinking (i.e., a pattern of alcohol consumption that increases risk for harmful consequences), which is the third leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. Rates of hazardous drinking are significantly higher among individuals with (vs. without) chronic pain. Moreover, 20% of individuals prescribed opioids endorse concurrent alcohol and opioid use, which may interfere with chronic pain treatment and lead to dangerous/potentially fatal health effects. No interventions to date have targeted either hazardous drinking or concurrent use of alcohol and opioids in the context of chronic pain. The current four-year R01 builds upon our past work by developing a brief, single-session, computer-based, personalized feedback intervention (PFI) designed to enhance knowledge regarding adverse pain-alcohol-opioid interrelations, increase motivation and intention to reduce hazardous drinking, and reduce positive attitudes and intention regarding concurrent use of alcohol and prescription opioid medications. Specifically, we will develop an integrated PFI for hazardous drinkers with chronic pain who are prescribed opioids (PA-PFI). Our approach will follow a staged model consistent with NIH guidelines for developing and standardizing behavioral interventions. Phase IA activities will involve collecting qualitative and quantitative feedback from three iterative focus groups (N = 21) to refine intervention content and evaluate treatment acceptability and feasibility. Phase IB activities will include a proof-of-concept and highly rigorous randomized clinical trial designed to compare PA-PFI to control PFI (C-PFI) among a sample of 174 hazardous drinkers with chronic pain who are currently prescribed opioid medications. This study represents an important and pivotal step in the larger landscape of translating basic research to more efficacious strategies for reducing hazardous drinking among underserved populations with medical comorbidities. This intervention would be highly disseminable and relevant to millions of hazardous drinkers with chronic pain. Given the collective public health impact of chronic pain, hazardous drinking, and concurrent alcohol-prescription opioid use, we believe the current study will yield findings that enhance scientific knowledge, enhance our understanding of mechanisms in reciprocal pain-alcohol-opioid relations, and inform the development of novel treatments for hazardous drinkers with chronic pain that are adaptable and easily implemented across a variety of healthcare settings. Read Less

This study will attempt to objectively measure pain with an experimental device. The investigators will apply the device to measure patients "pain" due to uterine contractions during routine clinical care to correlate patients verbal pain ratings and analgesia requirements to that measured by the device. A brain oxygenation device, Edwards Foresight, will be used to concurrently to monitor brain oxygenation and hemodynamics, so the relationship between the CereVu ROPA device objective measure of pain and brain oxygenation/hemodynamic changes and patient-reported pain can be determined. Read Less

This is a single-site, two-arm, parallel-group randomized clinical trial (RCT). The clinical effects of a 4-minute audio-recorded mindfulness intervention for orthopedic patients will be investigated relative to a 4-minute audio-recoding about pain psychoeducation. Read Less

To identify biological and phenotypic prognostic markers of recovery vs. persistence of pain and functional disability in adolescents with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Read Less

Primary Aim: To examine the superior efficacy of ACT versus Attention Control (AC) on postoperative pain intensity and functioning in at-risk Veterans undergoing TKA. Changes in pain intensity and functioning from baseline to 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months post-TKA will be compared. Level of pain intensity will be measured using the BPI Pain Severity Subscale and level of functioning will be measured using the KOOS Activities of Daily Living and Quality Of Life Subscales. Secondary Aims: A) To examine the superior efficacy of ACT versus AC on the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms and improvements in coping skills. Changes from baseline to 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months post-TKA will be compared. Anxiety and depressive symptoms will be measured with the Hamilton Rating Scales (Ham-A and Ham-D, respectively). Coping skills (i.e. Pain Acceptance and Engagement in Values-Based Behavior) will be measured with the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire and the Chronic Pain Values Inventory. B) To evaluate whether decreases in distress-based symptoms and increases in coping skills mediate changes in pain and functioning at 6 months in Veterans receiving ACT. Changes in anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, pain acceptance and engagement in values-based behavior from baseline to 6 weeks and 3 months will be used as potential mediators for changes in pain and functioning at 6 months. Exploratory Aim: Describe the pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies Veterans are using to manage pain and their perceived helpfulness. This will provide insights into the effects of the current opioid restrictions on pain management strategies. These strategies & their perceived helpfulness will be assessed using the Pain Management Strategies Survey at baseline, 6 weeks, 3, and 6 months. Read Less

The purpose of this study is to help Veterans learn about different ways they can manage chronic pain that do not involve medications. Veterans will work with a coach to explore the Veterans' values and goals and how different non-medication approaches may fit into these values and goals. Read Less