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

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 be eligible for this 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.