Psychological Options for Wellness and Recovery (POWeR) for Veterans with Chronic Back or Neck Pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

In this randomized interventional trial, veterans with chronic neck or back pain are assigned to one of three groups: PRT, CBT, or usual care. Participants complete standardized questionnaires on pain intensity, emotional functioning, quality of life, anxiety, and pain medication use at baseline and follow‑up visits. Those assigned to PRT or CBT receive nine weekly therapy sessions delivered by video with trained therapists, while the usual care group continues their regular medical care. Outcomes compare pain reduction and secondary measures to see whether PRT provides larger or faster pain relief than CBT or usual care.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults (18 and older)
* Be veterans
* Have a history of chronic back or neck pain defined as pain at least half the days of the last 6 months.
* Have moderate or greater pain, defined as pain intensity ≥4 in the past week

Exclusion Criteria:

Clinical presentation suggestive of back pain that is secondary or peripheral in nature, including self-reported leg pain that is worse than back pain (indicative of radiculopathy or sciatica), spine surgery within the past 6 months, fall, motor vehicle accident or other trauma related to back pain in the past 6 months, back pain due to an inflammatory disorder, infection, or malignant etiology as determined per medical provider review, known sensory abnormality in trunk or legs, recent large (\>20 lbs) unexplained weight loss, difficulty controlling bowels (to screen out cauda equina syndrome), and self-reported diagnoses of specific inflammatory disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, scleroderma, Lupus, and polymyositis).

Additionally, patients who meet any of the following criteria are ineligible due to anticipated difficulties complying with study procedures:

* Moderate or severe cognitive impairment
* Unstable or severe untreated mental health condition, including active suicidal ideation
* Unstable or end-stage medical disease including active cancer
* Back surgery planned within the next 6 months
* Inability to communicate by telephone or video, including inability due to housing instability
* Current pain-related litigation outside the VA (service connection-related applications are not excluded)
* Having engaged in CBT or PRT for chronic pain in the past 6 months
* Participants may be excluded based on the discretion of PIs Ashar and Frank

Where it's running

• VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
  Aurora, Colorado, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jonathan K. Ashar, PhD — University of Colorado, Denver
• Study coordinator: Jonathan K Ashar, PhD
• Email: yoni.ashar.@cuanschutz.edu
• Phone: 303.724.2536

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.