Remote Chronic Back Or Neck Pain Research Study
Researchers at Wayne State University and Rush University Medical Center are conducting a study on adults with chronic back or neck pain to compare the effectiveness of three psychological therapies in improving pain and daily functioning.

Fast Facts

Have Chronic Back and/or Neck Pain for at Least 3 Months

Ages 18+

Compensation Provided

Conducted
Remotely
Study Background
Researchers are studying different psychological therapies to see how they can help adults with chronic back or neck pain manage pain and improve daily functioning.
This NIH-funded study, conducted by Rush University Medical Center and Wayne State University, compares three psychological therapies for chronic spinal pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four study arms—three-quarters of participants will receive one of the therapies, while the remaining quarter will not receive therapy. All participants can continue with their usual healthcare. Those receiving therapy will meet with a psychologist via Zoom for eight weekly sessions. All study activities, including surveys and therapy sessions, are conducted remotely.
The study aims to understand how well these therapies reduce pain intensity and interference with daily life, what changes occur in participants undergoing therapy, and which individuals benefit most from each approach. Participants will complete online surveys before, during, and after therapy to help researchers gather insights into the effectiveness of these treatments.

Study Background
Researchers are studying different psychological therapies to see how they can help adults with chronic back or neck pain manage pain and improve daily functioning.

This NIH-funded study, conducted by Rush University Medical Center and Wayne State University, compares three psychological therapies for chronic spinal pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four study arms—three-quarters of participants will receive one of the therapies, while the remaining quarter will not receive therapy. All participants can continue with their usual healthcare. Those receiving therapy will meet with a psychologist via Zoom for eight weekly sessions. All study activities, including surveys and therapy sessions, are conducted remotely.
The study aims to understand how well these therapies reduce pain intensity and interference with daily life, what changes occur in participants undergoing therapy, and which individuals benefit most from each approach. Participants will complete online surveys before, during, and after therapy to help researchers gather insights into the effectiveness of these treatments.

Additional Information
This study is being done to compare the effectiveness of three different psychological therapies in reducing chronic back and neck pain and improving daily functioning. Researchers want to understand how these therapies work, what changes occur in people receiving them, and which individuals benefit the most. By identifying the most effective approaches, the study aims to improve non-medication treatment options for chronic spinal pain.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Are 18 years or older
- Live in the United States
- Have had back and/or neck pain for at least 3 months
- Pain in your back or neck is your most bothersome pain location
- Are interested in psychological therapy to help with pain or daily functioning
- Are willing to be randomly assigned to one of several psychological therapies or to a no-therapy control condition
- Are able to use Zoom for therapy sessions
- Are generally healthy (do not have diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, MS, bowel disease, cancer, epilepsy, liver disease, or alcohol/drug dependence)
- Are not recently or currently applying for disability or workman’s compensation for the pain
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Screening & Enrollment:
- Complete a short online screener (about 5 minutes).
- If eligible, schedule a 45-minute Zoom call with a research assistant to confirm eligibility and learn more.
- If you choose to join, complete an initial 1-hour online survey.
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Random Assignment:
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You will be randomly assigned to one of four study arms:
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Three study arms will receive one of three psychological therapies (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy).
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One study arm will continue with their usual healthcare without additional therapy.
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Therapy Sessions (If Assigned to Therapy):
- Meet with a psychologist via Zoom for eight 1-hour weekly sessions over a 10-week period.
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Online Surveys:
- Complete surveys before therapy, after each session (or every week for 7 weeks if in the condition not receiving therapy), at the end of the 8-week therapy period, and again 6 months later.
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Study Completion:
- After the final survey at 6 months, your participation in the study will be complete.
Yes, participants can earn up to $325 for completing all surveys. Payment is provided through Tango, a digital gift card service.
Baseline survey (before randomization): $50
7 weekly surveys: $25 each, up to $175 total
Week 8 survey: $50
- 6-month follow-up survey: $50
You will be compensated for each survey you complete, but if a survey is missed, that portion of the payment will not be provided. Therapy sessions are free for participants.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.