Mindfulness treatment for chronic low back pain in primary care settings

Group-Based Mindfulness for Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain in the Primary Care

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-10694862

This study is testing a mindfulness program called OPTIMUM to see if it can help people with chronic low back pain manage their pain better without using medications, and it's designed for patients visiting their primary care doctors.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBOSTON MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10694862 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based program specifically designed for patients suffering from chronic low back pain (cLBP) in primary care environments. The program, known as OPTIMUM, aims to integrate mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques into routine clinical practice to improve patient outcomes. By conducting a pragmatic clinical trial across multiple healthcare sites, the research seeks to evaluate how this nonpharmacologic approach can be effectively implemented and its impact on pain management. Patients will participate in group-based mindfulness sessions, which are intended to help them manage their pain more effectively without relying on medications.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing chronic low back pain who are seeking alternative treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with acute back pain or those who do not have access to the participating healthcare sites may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with a valuable non-drug approach to managing chronic low back pain, potentially reducing reliance on opioids.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that mindfulness-based interventions can be effective for pain management, indicating a promising approach for this study.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.