Mindfulness support for reducing opioid use in chronic low back pain patients

Adjunctive Mindfulness During Opioid Tapering for Patients With Chronic Pain

NA · Brigham and Women's Hospital · NCT06268522

This study is testing if mindfulness practices can help people with chronic low back pain use less opioid medication while still managing their pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBrigham and Women's Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT06268522 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of mindfulness interventions on reducing pain interference and opioid dosage in patients suffering from chronic low back pain. A total of 200 participants will be enrolled and randomly assigned to either a Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement group or a Psychoeducation control group. The goal is to assess whether mindfulness can aid in the tapering of opioid medications while managing pain effectively.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with chronic low back pain who have been using prescription opioids for at least three months and are planning to taper their medication.

Not a fit: Patients currently using illicit substances or those with medical conditions that could interfere with participation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help patients reduce their reliance on opioids while effectively managing their chronic pain.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with mindfulness interventions in pain management, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* age\>18yo
* Chronic Low Back Pain as seen on medical history as well as score of \>3 on pain visual analog scale (VAS) at the start of experimental sessions.
* receiving prescription opioids for three or more months and planning to start tapering their opioids with their provider.
* willing to be randomized to one of the two behavioral treatment. Patients referred or self-referred to the study from an outside clinic will also be able to participate (we will be in contact with their prescribing provider)
* able and willing to perform/tolerate pain procedures (e.g., QST)
* able to communicate fluently in English
* able to use a smartphone or laptop for the virtual therapy program

Exclusion criteria:

* Current illicit substance use (e.g marijuana use will be exempted) at screening or during trial as verified by urine toxicology screen and/or self-report for all participants;
* Medical condition known to influence QST or participation in the MORE intervention; serious psychiatric condition;
* regular meditation practice
* cognitive impairment
* pregnancy
* lack of English fluency
* severe OUD
* inability to provide informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Low Back Pain

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.