Improving pain outcomes for patients with chronic low back pain and insomnia
Official title: An Adaptive Intervention to Improve Pain Outcomes Following Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Patients with Comorbid Chronic Low Back Pain and Insomnia
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11122117 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help people with chronic low back pain and trouble sleeping by using a special therapy that combines techniques to improve sleep and boost positive feelings, so if you're struggling with these issues, you might find this research helpful!
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $817,330 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AT013240-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11122117 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic low back pain alongside insomnia who have not found relief through standard cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic low back pain or insomnia may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance pain relief in patients suffering from chronic low back pain (CLBP) and insomnia by using cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) combined with an additional intervention focused on increasing positive affect. The study aims to identify factors that predict which patients will benefit from CBTi alone and to develop a tailored approach for those who do not experience significant pain relief. By understanding the relationship between sleep disturbances and pain, the research seeks to improve treatment outcomes for this population. Patients will be enrolled to assess the effectiveness of this adaptive intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients with chronic low back pain and insomnia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia to improve pain outcomes, suggesting that this adaptive approach may build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Finan, Patrick — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Finan, Patrick
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
An adaptive plan to help pain after CBT for insomnia in people with chronic back pain
A patient-facing program will test a supplemental, hopeful approach added to standard CBT for insomnia to see if it can reduce pain for people who have chronic low back pain and insomnia.
-
Ketamine-assisted care plan to help Veterans with chronic back pain and depression
A program for Veterans with chronic low back pain and depression that uses ketamine infusions followed by a brief narrative therapy to sustain relief from pain and mood improvement.
-
Savoring Meditation for Chronic Low Back Pain patients
A study tests a brief mindfulness-based practice called Savoring Meditation to help people with chronic low back pain feel better emotionally and manage pain in daily life.
-
Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults and Hip Impairments
A study to help older adults with chronic low back pain, by looking at how hip problems affect their pain and function and testing tailored non-drug treatments.
-
Mechanical signs from the spine’s discs that predict when back pain becomes long-lasting
A Duke study aims to use new imaging and personal factors to see if the mechanical health of spinal discs can predict when acute low back pain becomes chronic.
-
Genetic predictors of recovery and surgical outcomes for Veterans with chronic low back pain and lumbosacral spine disorders
This project uses VA health records and genetic information to find DNA markers linked to how Veterans fare with chronic low back pain and related spine conditions.
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.