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Is it a good idea to participate in a study if you have a problem like chronic pain?

Studies are being done all over the world with the goal of improving the lives of many people who are living with chronic pain. Some of the studies involve medications, some different types of treatments, and some look at how patients act or react to pain. All these studies provide some sort of insight into chronic pain. Whether a person should participate in a study is an individual choice. Many people participate because they feel that they have used up all other options when it comes to managing their pain. Others do it because they like the idea of helping researchers, and yet others participate because they figure that it can't hurt and may help. If you want to participate in a study, you should think about the time investment on you to see if you're willing to do the trips to the study center, fill out forms, or answer phone calls. You must look to see how long the study will go on for to see if you can make a commitment to stay with it for that period of time, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Once you've decided that you do want to participate in the study, the study staff will then have to see if you're a good candidate. Most studies have very strict entry requirements. These are necessary so that other illnesses or problems won't interfere with the study findings at the end. Therefore, there will be a questionnaire that asks many things about your medical history, but also your social and demographic information. If you fit into the study that way, then you'll likely have a physical exam, tests, and so on to - again - see if you qualify for the study. If you do, then you're accepted. If you really want to be part of a study and are refused, don't give up hope. Other studies are likely coming down the pipeline and their requirements may be different than those of the one that refused you.

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