Open-Label Placebo Reduces Pain and Alters Brain Activity in Back Pain Study

Open-label placebo (OLP) trials challenge the traditional understanding of placebos by showing that positive effects can occur even when patients know they&rsquo;re receiving an inert treatment. A September 2024 study, titled "Open-Label Placebo Injection for Chronic Back Pain With Functional Neuroimaging" (JAMA Network Open,) demonstrated that OLPs led to significant reductions in pain intensity, mood improvements, and better sleep quality in chronic back pain (CBP) patients.
Key Findings: