Pain Paid Clinical Trials in Massachusetts

The primary objective of our study is to use a biased coin up-down allocation methodology to estimate the dose of bupivacaine required after the lidocaine test dose to achieve initial effective comfort in 90% of patients (post test-dose ED90) via the epidural (DPE or EPL) technique in women undergoing labor induction or augmentation; the investigators hypothesize that the investigators will be able to determine the post test-dose ED90 of bupivacaine for each technique with adequate precision to inform the optimal doses to study in a subsequent randomized trial comparing the analgesic effects of DPE vs. EPL. The investigators also hypothesize that the post test-dose ED90 of bupivacaine is lower with a DPE technique than with a conventional epidural technique. Read Less

The incidence and severity of postoperative pain after spine surgery are notably high, often requiring intensive management and potentially affecting the patient's recovery, satisfaction, and long-term outcomes. Post-operative pain is particularly difficult to manage in patients with substance use disorder likely due to a combination of withdrawal symptoms and molecular changes in the pain matrix. Opiates are the leading cause of overdose related fatalities, and carry a significant burden of substance related morbidity and mortality. As over 80% of patients undergoing low-risk surgery receive opioid prescriptions, the investigators aim to identify unique molecular characteristics of pain within current and previous opioid users, which have been understudied in this context. This study also seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying worsened postoperative pain in patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). Flow cytometry analysis of human serum will be done, which will assess circulating immune cells that can contribute to exacerbated surgery site inflammation. Spatial profiling of gene expression will be done in the dermis using Visium slide sequencing, focusing on the interplay between nerve endings, resident immune cells, and supporting dermal cells, all of which collectively contribute to the sensation pain. Both the visual pain rating scale and McGill Pain Questionnaire will be used to comprehensively quantify pain outcomes during the participant's postoperative recovery stay after surgery in an effort to better understand postoperative pain management with biomarkers of worsened postoperative pain. Read Less

The objective of the study is to investigate the treatment of marginal ulcers with Low Thermal plasma in an endoscopic setting. By a treatment of the ulcerated areas with argon plasma with low power settings (\~ 1 W) we hypothesize that the size of the ulcers will shrink, and the healing is accelerated compared to standard of care alone. Patients will benefit from this minimally invasive approach compared to a much more invasive surgical approach that comes with higher risks and hospital stay length time. From a societal and scientific perspective, this study aims to extend the well-documented clinical benefits of plasma technology - from external wound healing to internal ulcer treatment - within an endoscopic framework. The success of this study could pave the way for broader applications of LTP in the treatment of other endoscopically accessible conditions such as peptic ulcers, duodenal ulcers and esophageal ulcers. This advancement has the potential not only to improve patient outcomes through less invasive methods, but also to position LTP as a cornerstone in the future of gastroenterological wound management strategies. Read Less

This is a randomized controlled trial in which patients with moderate to severe shoulder pain (Visual Analog Scale (VAS) \> 40), in the setting of rotator cuff tendinopathy refractory to conservative treatment, will be enrolled. The primary aim of the study is to estimate the effect of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with physical therapy (PT) vs PT alone on the change in shoulder pain at 12-month follow up. Scientific objectives also include an assessment of safety of the intervention, assessment of changes in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Upper Extremity score, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores, MRI Tendinopathy Score between the TAE + PT and PT groups. Read Less

This is a double-blind randomised controlled trial (RCT) which compares the effectiveness of three surgical techniques for alleviating residual limb pain (RLP), neuroma pain and phantom limb pain (PLP). The three surgical treatments are Targeted Muscles Reinnervation (TMR), Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI), and an active control (neuroma excision and muscle burying). Patients will be follow-up for 4 years. Read Less

The purpose of this study is to test whether yoga can reduce nerve pain caused by cancer treatment (chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, or CIPN). Participants will take one of three approaches: * Yoga classes * Educational sessions on the causes and impacts of CIPN, how yoga may help with CIPN, and how different therapies may help with CIPN * Usual care with standard-of-care medications for CIPN The researchers will compare how these different approaches affect participants' balance, their risk of falls, and their quality of life. This study will also measure how much yoga can help the reduced sense of touch caused by CIPN. The functional assessments TUG and CTS can be safely completed either virtually and in-person and will be mandatory for all patients. The functional assessment FRT and QST assessments that can only be completed in-person are optional at these time points. Read Less

Patients who undergo cardiothoracic surgery often experience pain and anxiety around the time of surgery. Currently, treatments for pain and anxiety around the time of surgery include opioids and benzodiazepines, which can have severe side effects and can be ineffective. Interventions combining virtual reality with olfactory stimuli are a promising alternative to opioids and benzodiazepines in the treatment of pain and anxiety around the time of surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a virtual reality and olfactory stimuli multimodal intervention in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. In addition, the investigators will evaluate the preliminary effects of the VR/OS intervention on patient pain and anxiety before and after cardiothoracic surgery. Patients who meet study inclusion criteria and are undergoing cardiothoracic surgery may participate in this study. Patients have an equal being assigned to undergo the virtual reality and olfactory stimuli intervention or continue getting usual medical care with their doctor. If the patient is assigned to receive the virtual reality and olfactory stimuli intervention, the first therapy session will take place approximately two to four weeks before surgery. This will involve wearing a virtual reality headset and scented necklace for approximately 10 minutes. The second session will occur 90 minutes before the surgery. Additionally, for each day the patient recovers in the hospital after surgery, the patient will receive one session in the afternoon. During the patient's in-hospital recovery at night, they will receive lavender scented therapy. Read Less

The goal of this clinical study is to determine if 8 treatments with photobiomodulation using near-infrared laser energy can help reduce chronic pelvic pain in women. Additionally, researchers want to determine if treatment with this type of energy can also alleviate pain with activities such as standing, sitting, urinating, having bowel movements and intercourse. Read Less

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of tDCS in combination with TUS for the treatment of pain in subjects with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The investigators hypothesize that there will be a decrease in pain levels with active stimulation, when compared to sham stimulation. Read Less

The goal of this project is to conduct a randomized, hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation trial (N=200) to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of a 10-week mind-body and walking program (GetActive+) vs treatment as usual (TAU). The investigators will test for improvements in self-reported, performance-based (i.e., six-minute walk test), and objective (i.e., step-count) physical function, emotional function, as well as feasibility, acceptability and implementation markers. Participants will complete measures at baseline (0 weeks), post-intervention (1 week after intervention completion), and 6-month follow-up. This study will receive support from and inclusion in the HEAL Initiative (https://heal.nih.gov/). Read Less

The present study aims to adapt and modify a brief presurgical Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention aimed at preventing the transition to Chronic Post-Surgical Pain (CPSP) and reducing long-term opioid use. Investigators will then assess the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of the finalized intervention to prevent the transition to CPSP and reduce post-surgical opioid use six months following lumbar spine surgery. Finally, investigators will identify psychosocial and psychophysical phenotypes associated with response to this intervention. Read Less

The primary objective of this study, in subjects with Neuropathic Corneal Pain, is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of OK-101 0.05% and 0.1% as compared to placebo instilled 4 times/day in subjects with neuropathic corneal pain, as assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS). Read Less