Psilocybin for Chronic Back Pain: Brain Signals and Real-World Therapy Outcomes

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project pairs a supervised psilocybin session with a standard physical therapy program to see if the brain’s internal signals can be “unfiltered” to improve pain management and function. Researchers will use lab tests to measure pain processing and sensation, along with real-world checks like daily steps and functional PT measures to track any changes in disability. The study will follow participants through a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine if psilocybin helps people engage more fully with PT and reduce pain-related limitations. If successful, findings could inform new, brain-informed approaches to managing chronic back pain alongside rehab.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Yale University
  New Haven, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: De Aquino, Joao Paulo — Yale University
• Study coordinator: De Aquino, Joao Paulo

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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• Remote physical therapy to ease chronic low back pain and cut opioid use in rural communities

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• Improving access to physical therapy for chronic low back pain in rural areas using telehealth.

  This study is looking to make physical therapy easier for people with chronic low back pain living in rural areas by using online sessions, so you can get the help you need without worrying about travel or finding a therapist nearby.

  NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11163083

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

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  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

• Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults and Hip Impairments

  A study to help older adults with chronic low back pain, by looking at how hip problems affect their pain and function and testing tailored non-drug treatments.

  NIH research University of Delaware · Newark, UNITED STATES · NIH-11447991

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.