Telehealth group therapy for veterans with chronic neck and back pain

Feasibility and Acceptability of Group Pain Reprocessing Therapy for Veterans With Chronic Neck/Back Pain

NA · University of Colorado, Denver · NCT06406699

This study is testing whether telehealth group therapy can help veterans with chronic neck and back pain feel better by changing how they think about their pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Colorado, Denver (other)
Locations1 site (Aurora, Colorado)
Trial IDNCT06406699 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of telehealth group pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) specifically for veterans suffering from chronic neck and back pain. PRT is a psychotherapy approach that helps patients reframe their understanding of pain as a non-threatening signal, potentially reducing their pain perception. The study involves veterans who have experienced chronic back pain for at least six months and will participate in a series of telehealth sessions. There is no comparison group in this trial, focusing solely on the effectiveness of the therapy itself.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are veterans with at least six months of chronic back pain and an average pain level of 4/10 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with leg pain worse than back pain or those with significant psychiatric issues may not benefit from this therapy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could provide veterans with a new, effective way to manage chronic pain without relying solely on medication.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that pain reprocessing therapy can be effective, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* At least 6 months of back pain with last week average back pain at least 4/10
* Able to attend at least 7/8 telehealth group sessions
* Access to safe living space, quite room, reliable internet, and electronic device that can be used to attend telehealth therapy sessions.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Leg pain that is worse than back pain
* Suicide attempt, SI, HI, or inpatient psychiatric hospitalization in the past 5 years
* Not receiving/has not received disability or workers compensation related to back pain in the past 2 years.
* Is not currently involved in litigation regarding chronic back pain.
* Current misuse or overuse of alcohol or drugs
* Major surgery or other major medical events in the next 6 months
* Known vertebral/spinal fracture or tumor.
* Back surgery within last 2 years
* Difficulty controlling bowel movements
* Current or recent diagnosis of cancer
* Current or recent diagnosis of severe cardiovascular disease
* Unexplained or unintended greater than 20 pound weight loss in the past year
* Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, scleroderma, Lupus, polymyositis, or other specific inflammatory disorders

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Chronic Back Pain, Chronic Pain, Neck Pain, Back Pain

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.