Research on managing chronic pain without pharmaceuticals

MERCI Chronic Pain Research Clinic (Medical Education and Research in Compassionate Integration/Intervention)

Not applicable Interventional Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine · NCT06533345

This study is testing a mix of different treatments to see if they can help people manage chronic pain without using medications.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorEdward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine Academic / other
Locations1 site (Auburn, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT06533345 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on addressing chronic pain through a multidisciplinary approach that includes behavior change coaching, nutrition, autonomic recalibration, dry needling, and osteopathic manipulative treatment. It aims to explore the various mechanisms of chronic pain, which can include neuropathic, structural, and nociplastic factors. By integrating multiple interventions from different disciplines, the study seeks to improve pain management outcomes for individuals suffering from chronic pain. The research is conducted at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Auburn, Alabama.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals experiencing chronic pain that is not related to an acute injury.

Not a fit: Patients seeking pharmaceutical interventions or those with functional myofascial pain may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide patients with effective pain management strategies that do not rely on pharmaceuticals.

How similar studies have performed: While multidisciplinary pain management has shown positive outcomes in various clinics, this specific approach is relatively novel and not widely implemented.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Those experiencing chronic pain, i.e., ongoing pain not relevant to an acute perturbation (e.g., recent injury).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Those subjects seeking pharmaceutical intervention
* Those whose myofascial pain is deemed functional (normal response to acute injury or ongoing pathology

Where this trial is running

Auburn, Alabama

Study contacts

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.
Conditions Chronic PainAutonomic DysfunctionSympathetic DominanceOsteopathic Manipulative TreatmentDry NeedlingNutritionLifestyleGroup Therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.