Pain Sensitivity and mHealth Therapy in Acute to Chronic Back Pain Transition

Specific Aims. This pilot, feasibility study using a randomized clinical trial (RCT) design will examine the effects of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and pain sensitivity on the transition from acute to chronic pain states. Persons with acute LBP (N = 120) will be randomized to Intervention (CBT) administered using FacetimeR software and Apple iPad computer tablets (mHealth) and Attention]Controlgroups. Aim 1: We will determine the effect of CBT on pain, disability, health care costs, and lost workdays when compared to attention]control over time. Hypothesis 1: Compared to the Attention]Control group, Intervention group participants will report a greater decrease in pain, disability, health care costs, and lost workdays over the 6]month study period. Specific Aim 2: We will determine whether the effects of CBT (pain, disability, health care costs, and lost workdays) are mediated and/or moderated by pain sensitivity. Specific Aim 3: We will describe the role of pain sensitivity in the transition from acute to chronic LBP by trending pain sensitivity and the duration and location of pain over the 6]month trial in the Attention] Control group. Specific Aims 2 and 3 are exploratory.