Which talk therapy works best for chronic pain? new study aims to find out

NCT ID NCT06044649

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Rush University Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study compares three psychological treatments—CBT, ACT, and EAET—for adults with chronic back or neck pain. Researchers want to understand how each therapy works and which patients benefit most. 408 participants will receive weekly online therapy for 8 weeks and be followed for 6 months.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help doctors match chronic pain patients to the most effective psychological therapy, improving pain management without drugs.
What could go wrong: This is a mechanistic study, not a treatment trial. It may not lead to new treatments, and results may not apply to all pain types or people.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for BACK PAIN are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Back Pain Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome Neck Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BACK PAIN CHRONIC PAIN NECK PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Rush University Medical Center

Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States
Wayne State University

Detroit, Michigan, 48202, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.