Exploring how mindfulness can help reduce chronic low back pain and opioid use

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) in alleviating chronic low back pain (cLBP) and reducing reliance on opioids. By integrating mindfulness with techniques for regulating emotions, the study aims to uncover the brain mechanisms that contribute to pain relief and decreased opioid consumption. Participants will engage in mindfulness practices while researchers will use advanced imaging techniques to observe brain activity and understand how these practices work. The study includes a rigorous control group to ensure the findings are robust and reliable.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of California, San Diego
  La Jolla, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Garland, Eric Lee — University of California, San Diego
• Study coordinator: Garland, Eric Lee

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Mindfulness-based brain science to reduce pain and opioid use in chronic back pain

  A study at UC San Diego tests how Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement may help people with chronic low back pain use fewer opioids by changing brain activity.

  NIH research University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11348866

• Mindfulness plus AI to personalize care for chronic low back pain

  Using AI and wearable and survey data to find which adults with chronic low back pain are likely to benefit from a mindfulness-based program.

  NIH research Worcester Polytechnic Institute · Worcester, United States · NIH-10992095

• Using machine learning to improve mindfulness treatment for chronic low back pain

  This study is looking at how machine learning can help figure out which people with chronic low back pain might get the most benefit from mindfulness-based stress reduction, so we can tailor treatments to help manage their pain better.

  NIH research Worcester Polytechnic Institute · Worcester, United States · NIH-10794463

• Mindfulness treatment for chronic low back pain in primary care settings

  This study is testing a mindfulness program called OPTIMUM to see if it can help people with chronic low back pain manage their pain better without using medications, and it's designed for patients visiting their primary care doctors.

  NIH research Boston Medical Center · Boston, United States · NIH-10694862

• Ketamine-assisted care plan to help Veterans with chronic back pain and depression

  A program for Veterans with chronic low back pain and depression that uses ketamine infusions followed by a brief narrative therapy to sustain relief from pain and mood improvement.

  NIH research Veterans Health Administration · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11533116

• Savoring Meditation for Chronic Low Back Pain patients

  A study tests a brief mindfulness-based practice called Savoring Meditation to help people with chronic low back pain feel better emotionally and manage pain in daily life.

  NIH research University of Virginia · Charlottesville, United States · NIH-11465428

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.