Using acupuncture in the emergency department to manage pain

Acupuncture in the Emergency Department for Pain Management: A BraveNet Multi-Center Feasibility Study

NIH-funded research Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10479980

This study is looking at whether acupuncture can help people in the emergency room who are dealing with moderate to severe pain, offering a safer option than opioids for relief.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCase Western Reserve University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project IDNIH-10479980 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of acupuncture as a non-pharmacologic option for managing acute pain in emergency department patients. It aims to develop a standardized acupuncture intervention and evaluate its feasibility for participant recruitment and data collection in a larger trial. Patients experiencing moderate to severe pain will receive acupuncture treatment, and their pain levels will be assessed before and after the intervention. The study seeks to provide a safer alternative to opioid medications for pain relief.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are emergency department patients experiencing moderate to severe pain.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that contraindicate acupuncture or those who do not experience significant pain may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer an effective and low-risk alternative for pain management in emergency settings.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for acupuncture in pain management, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Cleveland, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.