Back Pain & Meditation Research Study
Researchers at the University of California San Diego are conducting a study to see how a meditation-based intervention affects chronic back pain.
Fast Facts
Chronic Lower Back Pain
Taking Prescribed Opioid Medication
18-65 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in San Diego, CA
Study Background
Neural Mechanisms of Meditation for Opioid-Treated Chronic Low Back Pain
Even with medication, chronic back pain can be a daily burden. We’re looking for ways to relieve the burden without further medication. In this research study, we want to understand the pain-relieving brain mechanisms of meditation-based therapy for people with chronic low back pain.
If you are currently treating your back pain with prescription opioids, and you’re still having pain on at least half the days, you may be eligible to participate. Eventually, the findings of this study might be useful for treating low back pain and improving people’s quality of life.
Study Background
Neural Mechanisms of Meditation for Opioid-Treated Chronic Low Back Pain
Even with medication, chronic back pain can be a daily burden. We’re looking for ways to relieve the burden without further medication. In this research study, we want to understand the pain-relieving brain mechanisms of meditation-based therapy for people with chronic low back pain.
If you are currently treating your back pain with prescription opioids, and you’re still having pain on at least half the days, you may be eligible to participate. Eventually, the findings of this study might be useful for treating low back pain and improving people’s quality of life.
Additional Information
The purpose of this research study is to see how a meditation-based intervention affects pain. Specifically, we are interested in understanding the pain-relieving brain mechanisms of meditation-based therapy for patients with opioid-treated chronic low back pain.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18-65 years old
- Chronic lower back pain: at least half the days in the last 6 months
- Have been prescribed opioid medication (e.g., tramadol, oxycodone, hydrocodone) for at least 3 months
- Interested in meditation-based therapy
Exclusion Criteria:
- Any prior experience with mindfulness-based interventions (such as MBSR, MBCT, MORE, or extensive involvement in standardized meditation training)
- Cancer related pain
- Suicidal ideation
- Psychosis in the past 6 months
- Pregnancy
- MRI contraindications (claustrophobia, metal in body)
- Abnormal MRI scan in the past
Participation in this study will include 13 study visits and at least one MRI brain scan.
As a participant, you can receive up to $600 for your time and effort.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.