Finding better ways to manage chronic pain without medication
Official title: Options for Pain Management using Nonpharmacological Strategies (OPTIONS)
Funded at Rlr VA Medical Center · NIH-10984858 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping Veterans with chronic pain find and use non-drug treatments that work for them, by giving them helpful tools and support to feel more confident in managing their pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rlr VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01HX003402-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984858 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans experiencing chronic pain who are seeking alternatives to medication for pain management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Veterans or those who do not experience chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the use of nonpharmacological treatments (NPTs) for chronic pain among Veterans. It aims to address barriers that prevent patients from utilizing these treatments effectively. The approach includes providing a decision aid to help patients understand their options and a coach who uses motivational interviewing to enhance patients' confidence in managing their pain. By fostering better communication between patients and providers, the research seeks to empower Veterans to adopt NPTs that align with their personal goals and lifestyles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies for Veterans, reducing reliance on opioids and enhancing overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: This approach is innovative and addresses a critical gap in existing research, as few studies have focused on overcoming patient-level barriers to the use of nonpharmacological treatments.
Where this research is happening
-
Rlr VA Medical Center
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Matthias, Marianne S — Rlr VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Matthias, Marianne S
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.