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From Nerve to Brain: Toward a Mechanistic Understanding of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Human Subjects

Sponsored by Massachusetts General Hospital

Quick Self-Assessment

See if you qualify and express your interest

Preparing your pre-screening questions...

Current Status

Recruiting

Auto-verified from ClinicalTrials.gov

Verified Jun 27, 2025

Phase

Clinical Trial

Sponsor

Massachusetts General Hospital

Enrollment Target

180

Start Date

Jun 2023

๐Ÿ“Š
1 of 180 participants interested
1% interest

Express Your Interest Today

Interested in learning more? Complete the form below.

Secure & Confidential

Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Advance Medical Science

    Contribute to groundbreaking research

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel (varies by study)

  • Help Others

    Benefit future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Study

This is a multicenter prospective study of patients who currently have stably implanted spinal cord simulators. Patients will be randomly assigned to turn on or off their spinal cord stimulators for two week intervals up to six weeks after enrollment, and on the final day of study participation, for one hour intervals, in a multi-crossover design. In a subset of patients we will also perform combined positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging at baseline, week 2 and week 4.

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Aged 18 to 80
Capable of providing informed consent and following trial procedures, including capacity to complete self-reported measures of pain, function, and other outcomes
Stably implanted spinal cord or dorsal root ganglion stimulator
Device is to treat back/radicular lower extremity pain or neck/arm pain
Device with a paresthesia-free setting

Exclusion Criteria

Patients who are not on a stable dose of opioids or are on a stable dose greater than 100 MME/day per day within the two months prior to enrollment, or those who are unwilling to maintain a stable dose of opioids throughout the duration of the study
The investigator concludes that the participant is unable to differentiate back or neck/arm pain from other pains
Systemic or psychiatric illness that in the opinion of the site investigator would interfere with the individual's ability to participate in the trial
Other factor that in the opinion of the site investigator would interfere

โ“ Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility during the screening process.

Study Details

๐Ÿ“‹

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

๐Ÿ‘ฅ

Target Enrollment

180 participants

๐ŸŽ‚

Age Range

18 Years - 80 Years

โšง

Gender

ALL

๐Ÿข

Sponsor

Massachusetts General Hospital

Study Locations

Choose your preferred location or select flexible during enrollment

RECRUITING

Boston

Massachusetts

Location available
View Boston location page
RECRUITING

Boston

Massachusetts

Location available
View Boston location page
RECRUITING

Boston

Massachusetts

Location available
View Boston location page

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Q:Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Q:Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

Q:How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Express your interest in this groundbreaking clinical trial

๐Ÿ”’ Secure ยท ๐Ÿฅ Expert Care

Find More Chronic Pain Trials by City

Browse all chronic pain clinical trials in these cities โ€” not just this study.

Looking for Chronic Pain Treatment in Boston?

Join others in Massachusetts exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

Chronic Pain Treatment Options in Boston, Massachusetts

If you're searching for Chronic Pain treatment in Boston, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Boston, Boston, Boston and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Chronic Pain. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
3 locations in Massachusetts
Now Enrolling
Up to 180 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Chronic Pain?

Potential Benefits

  • โœ“Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • โœ“Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • โœ“Study-related care provided at no cost
  • โœ“Contribute to medical research for Chronic Pain

What to Expect

  • โ†’Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • โ†’Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • โ†’Possible compensation for time and travel
  • โ†’You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Chronic Pain Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT05661903. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.