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

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.