An online program to help with chronic back and neck pain
Randomized Clinical Trial of Pain Psychology/Neuroscience and Written Disclosure for Chronic Pain
This study is testing whether an online program that combines education about pain and writing about feelings can help people with chronic back and neck pain feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Wayne State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT05513274 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief educational program combined with a written emotional disclosure task on improving outcomes for individuals suffering from chronic back and neck pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving pain and affect neuroscience education or a control group engaging in general health activities. Following this, they will be further randomized to either a written emotional disclosure task or a control writing task. The study will assess changes in pain severity, psychological distress, and attitudes towards pain after one month.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 75 with chronic musculoskeletal back or neck pain lasting over one year.
Not a fit: Patients with serious diseases, significant structural damage causing pain, or those considering surgical interventions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve pain management and emotional well-being for patients with chronic back and neck pain.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using educational and psychological interventions for chronic pain management, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * English speaking * Chronic musculoskeletal back or neck pain for greater than 1 year as primary symptom complaint * Participants living in western countries USA, UK and Australia * Have access to a computer or smartphone Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of serious disease or impairment (cancer, systemic infection, serious vision impairment) * Clear evidence of significant structural damage likely causing their pain (eg, vertebral compression fracture); * Being considered for interventional spine procedures (eg, steroidal injections) or surgery; * Leg or arm pain more severe than back or neck pain * Rheumatoid arthritis * Fibromyalgia * Active psychosis
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- The New School for Social Research Department of Psychology — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lauren Krulis, MA
- Email: krull588@newschool.edu
- Phone: 917-297-9428
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.