Exploring how meditation affects pain relief in patients with chronic low back pain on opioids
Official title: Neural Mechanisms of Meditation-Based Interventions for Chronic Low Back Pain
Run by University of Utah · NCT05607381 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether mindfulness meditation can help people with chronic low back pain who are taking opioids feel less pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 188 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Utah Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (La Jolla, California and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 30, 2022 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05607381 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with chronic low back pain who have been using prescription opioids for at least three months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with prior extensive meditation training or those with certain medical conditions, such as current cancer diagnosis or severe mental health issues, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This research investigates the impact of a mindfulness meditation-based intervention on pain relief in patients suffering from chronic low back pain who are currently using opioid medications. The study aims to uncover the neural mechanisms involved in pain relief through meditation, utilizing brain imaging techniques to assess changes in brain activity. Participants will engage in meditation practices alongside their usual care to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in managing their pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a non-pharmacological method for managing chronic low back pain, potentially reducing reliance on opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results in using mindfulness meditation for pain management, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1\) men/women 18-65 years of age; 2) current chronic low back pain classified according to the NIH Pain Consortium task force research standards for chronic low back pain (pain on at least half the days in the past 6 months); usual back pain ≥3 on 0-10 scale with opioid medication; and 4) current use of prescription opioids for ≥3 months. Exclusion Criteria: 1\) Prior experience with MBSR, MBCT, MORE, or extensive involvement in any standardized meditation training, 2) current cancer diagnosis, 3) suicide intent or attempt in the past 30 days, 4) psychosis or moderate/severe non-opioid substance use disorder in past 6 months; 5) persons with any electronic objects or certain metal objects in their head or body that are incompatible with MRI; 6) those who have had an abnormal brain MRI in the past; 7) those unable to lie still on their back for 1 to 1.5 hours; and 8) pregnancy.
Where it's running
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, California, United States Recruiting -
Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention Development
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Active not recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eric Garland, PhD — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Eric Garland, PhD
- Email: eric.garland@socwk.utah.edu
- Phone: 858-822-4092
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.