Post-Surgical Pain Research Study

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are studying how biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to chronic pain after surgery by working with patients before and after surgery to better understand and possibly improve recovery outcomes.

Fast Facts

Experiencing pain from a surgery performed 6+ months ago OR scheduled for an upcoming surgery

Ages 12+

Compensation Provided

Conducted in Boston, MA

Study Background

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are exploring factors that lead to chronic pain after surgery to better understand and improve recovery.

 

The r35 Post-Surgical Pain Study focuses on understanding why some people develop long-term pain after surgery. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are exploring how biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to this condition. By studying patients who are about to undergo surgery or have already experienced chronic pain from surgery, the study aims to uncover patterns that can help predict and prevent persistent pain. Participants, ages 12 and older, attend two in-person visits at the Bowdoin Square lab. These visits involve gathering information through questionnaires, physical strength tests, and hair sampling to measure stress hormones, as well as advanced techniques to monitor brain activity related to pain.

The study also includes an optional behavioral program based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to see if it can improve pain outcomes. Through neuroimaging and sensory testing, researchers aim to identify changes in brain function linked to pain development. The ultimate goal is to use these insights to improve recovery and quality of life for patients after surgery.

Join our compensated study today!

Parental or guardian permission is required to recruit and/or enroll this population.

Study Background

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are exploring factors that lead to chronic pain after surgery to better understand and improve recovery.

The r35 Post-Surgical Pain Study focuses on understanding why some people develop long-term pain after surgery. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are exploring how biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to this condition. By studying patients who are about to undergo surgery or have already experienced chronic pain from surgery, the study aims to uncover patterns that can help predict and prevent persistent pain. Participants, ages 12 and older, attend two in-person visits at the Bowdoin Square lab. These visits involve gathering information through questionnaires, physical strength tests, and hair sampling to measure stress hormones, as well as advanced techniques to monitor brain activity related to pain.

The study also includes an optional behavioral program based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to see if it can improve pain outcomes. Through neuroimaging and sensory testing, researchers aim to identify changes in brain function linked to pain development. The ultimate goal is to use these insights to improve recovery and quality of life for patients after surgery.

Join our compensated study today!

Parental or guardian permission is required to recruit and/or enroll this population.

Additional Information

This study is being done to explore how biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to the development of chronic pain after surgery. The goal is to better understand these factors and use that knowledge to improve recovery and long-term outcomes for patients.

You (or your child) may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Experiencing pain from a surgery performed 6+ months ago OR scheduled for an upcoming surgery
  • Able to attend 2 in-person visits at study site in Boston, MA
  • Ages 12+
  1. For Participants Having Surgery

    • Attend one in-person visit before surgery.
    • Return for a second in-person visit 3–6 months after surgery.

  2. For Participants with Chronic Post-Surgical Pain

    • Attend two in-person visits, spaced 6 months apart.
    • You may be randomly selected to participate in a 5-hour virtual behavioral intervention and a 1-hour follow-up session based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

  3. Activities During All In-Person Visits

    • Complete questionnaires to gather psychological and behavioral information.
    • Perform a physical task (sit-to-stand) to measure leg strength and physical functioning.
    • Provide a hair sample to assess chronic cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
    • Undergo quantitative sensory testing (QST) and conditioned pain modulation while researchers monitor brain activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).
 

Participants can earn $200 per visit, $400 in total.

There is no cost for you or your child to participate in our research study.