Pain Resilience for Low Back Pain

(Resilience Trial)

This trial explores whether combining pain education with other treatments can help people with chronic pain more effectively than pain education alone. The aim is to determine if a whole-person approach, including physical therapy and cognitive behavioral techniques, offers greater benefits. The trial includes two groups: one focuses on reducing fear and threat, while the other enhances positive experiences and builds pain resilience. Adults who have experienced chronic pain for at least six months and can read and understand English might be suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased study, this trial provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative approaches to managing chronic pain.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that combining pain education with treatments like physical therapy and cognitive behavioral techniques can be safe and helpful for people with chronic pain. Studies have found that exercises to improve movement can reduce pain and disability. When combined with other treatments, these exercises might offer more benefits than pain education alone.

Researchers are excited about exploring Pain Resilience for low back pain because it emphasizes psychological interventions rather than traditional medications. Unlike standard treatments like painkillers or physical therapy, this approach focuses on the mind's role in managing pain. The Fear group targets the negative emotions associated with pain to reduce fear and perceived threat, while the Strengths group enhances positive feelings to foster reward learning. By shifting the focus from just physical symptoms to emotional resilience, this method could offer a more holistic way to manage chronic pain.

This trial will compare two approaches to building pain resilience for individuals with chronic low back pain. Research has shown that resilience to pain, which involves staying positive and managing pain effectively, can improve well-being for those with chronic low back pain. Studies have found that more resilient individuals often recover better and experience less severe pain. Participants in the "Fear group" will receive interventions targeting the negative valence system to decrease fear and threat. Meanwhile, the "Strengths group" will focus on the positive valence system for reward learning. Combining pain education with methods like physical therapy and cognitive-behavioral techniques can enhance these benefits. For example, resilience training can help change negative thoughts about pain, reducing fear and improving pain management. Overall, this approach treats the whole person and aims to provide more relief than traditional pain education alone.¹⁵⁶⁷⁸