Preventing chronic pain in older adults after acute musculoskeletal injuries

Reducing the Transition from Acute to Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain among Older Adults

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10539315

This study is all about helping older adults who have sudden pain from injuries, like falls, by teaching them how to make better choices about their treatment, so they can avoid long-lasting pain and feel more in control of their recovery.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10539315 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on helping older adults who experience acute musculoskeletal pain, such as injuries from falls or other accidents, to prevent the development of chronic pain. It aims to improve early treatment strategies by using a shared decision-making approach, where patients are actively involved in their treatment choices. The study will test a three-part intervention that includes an interactive video to educate patients about their treatment options, enhancing their understanding and confidence in managing their pain. By addressing both the medical and behavioral aspects of pain management, the research seeks to improve outcomes for older adults in emergency departments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 21 and above who present to the emergency department with acute musculoskeletal pain.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain prior to the acute injury may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the number of older adults who develop chronic pain after experiencing acute injuries, improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that early intervention and shared decision-making can effectively improve pain management outcomes, suggesting a promising approach in this study.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.