Efficacy of Tailored Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Back Pain

Efficacy of Tailored Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Back Pain

This clinical trial compares two psychological treatments for back pain.

The primary objective is to examine the incremental efficacy of a patient-centered and tailored self-management treatment approach, Tailored Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (TCBT), for persons with chronic musculoskeletal pain. TCBT will be compared with a Standard Cognitive- Behavior Therapy (SCBT) condition. The hypothesis is that TCBT will be associated with improved outcomes following treatment. Outcome will be assessed by multiple standardized measures of key domains of the chronic pain experience. Secondary objectives are to examine the process of successful self-management treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Chronic back pain for at least 6 months
• Treatment by medication or physical therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute or life threatening physical illness
• Current alcohol or substance abuse or dependence
• Current psychosis or suicidal ideation treatment by anesthesiology, chiropractic care or surgery