Empowering Pain Psychology for Chronic Low Back Pain

This trial explores ways to help people with chronic low back pain engage more effectively with pain psychology treatments. It examines a new approach called Empowering Pain Psychology Access and Collaboration (EPPAC), which uses shared decision-making and motivational interviews to guide patients in selecting the right therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or emotional awareness and expression therapy. The trial aims to determine if this method improves treatment uptake among those with Medicaid insurance. Participants should have experienced persistent low back pain for at least three months and rely on Medicaid for health coverage. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for patients to contribute to innovative approaches in pain management.

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.

In a previous study, participants who received cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and emotional awareness and expression therapy (EAET) experienced few side effects. Research shows that these therapies, which help change thought patterns and improve emotional expression, are generally safe for most people. Emotional awareness and expression therapy, also known as Pain and Emotion Reprocessing Therapy (PERT), helps individuals recognize and address hidden emotions, potentially reducing pain.

Researchers are excited about the Empowering Pain Psychology Access and Collaboration (EPPAC) approach for chronic low back pain because it integrates a structured engagement process and shared decision-making through telehealth. Unlike standard treatments, which often involve separate sessions for evaluation and therapy, EPPAC combines these into one appointment, making it more convenient for patients. Additionally, it empowers patients by actively involving them in choosing between cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and emotional awareness and expression therapy (EAET), tailored to their needs. This personalized approach could enhance treatment effectiveness and patient satisfaction.

Research has shown that psychological therapies can help manage chronic low back pain. One study found that non-drug treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and emotional awareness and expression therapy (EAET) effectively reduce pain and improve mobility. These therapies change how patients think about and respond to their pain, which can lower pain levels and enhance quality of life. Evidence-based guidelines also recommend these non-invasive treatments to improve physical function. In this trial, participants in the Empowering Pain Psychology Access and Collaboration (EPPAC) arm will engage in a structured process to determine if pain psychology fits their treatment plan. If selected, they will choose between CBT and EAET, presented as Pain and Emotion Reprocessing Therapy (PERT). This strategy aims to increase patient participation in these therapies, potentially enhancing their effectiveness, especially for individuals with fewer resources.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰