Understanding how psychosocial treatments can help chronic pain

Comparative Mechanisms (Moderators, Mediators) of Psychosocial Treatments of Chronic Pain

NA · Rush University Medical Center · NCT06044649

This study is testing different talk therapies to see how well they can help people with chronic pain feel better and what factors might make the treatments work better for them.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment460 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRush University Medical Center (other)
Locations2 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06044649 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of various psychosocial treatments for chronic musculoskeletal pain, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It aims to identify treatment mediators and patient characteristics that influence treatment responses, thereby enhancing the efficacy of existing interventions. By comparing different treatments and understanding which factors contribute most to clinical outcomes, the research seeks to advance precision medicine in pain management. Participants will be randomized to receive one of the treatments while their responses are monitored.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with chronic back or neck pain lasting at least three months and experiencing significant pain interference.

Not a fit: Patients with complex medical or psychiatric conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or severe mental health disorders, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective, personalized treatments for individuals suffering from chronic pain.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using psychosocial treatments for chronic pain, but this approach of identifying mediators and moderators is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Back/neck is primary pain location (e.g., back/neck pain greater than leg pain)
* Pain for at least 3 months and experienced 4 or more days/week for the past 6 months
* Pain intensity last week is \>= 3 (0 to 10 rating scale)
* Pain interference last week is \>= 3 (0 to 10 rating scale)
* At least age 18
* Lives in United States
* Fluent in English
* Has personal computer/tablet and internet access
* Able to attend weekly sessions
* Willing to be randomized
* Seeking to improve their pain-related status via a psychological therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

Past 2 years (treated for or having experienced):

* Complex regional pain syndrome
* Epilepsy/seizure disorder
* Autoimmune disease
* Liver disease
* Cancer
* Heart disease
* Substance dependence or use disorder
* Schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder
* Bipolar disorder
* Obsessive-compulsive disorder
* Borderline personality disorder
* Suicide attempt or suicide intention or impulse

Also:

* Major medical procedure scheduled within next 9 months
* Applied for/ litigating for pain-related disability/worker's compensation (past year).
* Major life event/stressor in past 6 months
* Cognitive impairment (screener score \<=4)

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations

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 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.