Actively Recruiting
Preventing the Development of Chronic Pain: Treating PTSD at Acute Pain Onset
Led by Rush University Medical Center · Updated on 2025-10-20
345
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
178 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
R
Rush University Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
U
United States Department of Defense
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Although most people recover from acute pain (such as pain caused by injury, surgery, repetitive motion, or unknown causes), many people do not fully recover and will experience chronic pain. Untreated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) appears to be a key risk factor for the transition from acute pain to chronic pain. However, few published studies have addressed the issue of preventing the transition from acute to chronic pain via PTSD reduction. This project will aim to test whether trauma-related PTSD symptoms can be reduced using either Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) treatment or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and whether reducing PTSD symptoms can prevent the transition from non-injury based acute pain to chronic pain.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Preventing the Development of Chronic Pain: Treating PTSD at Acute Pain Onset
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 to 70 years
- Ability to read and write English to complete questionnaires and participate in interviews
- Presenting to the Rush Emergency Department with acute pain not caused by debilitating trauma
- Having a primary acute pain site
- Self-reported symptoms consistent with PTSD diagnosis
- Well-controlled diabetes or HIV/AIDS included if acute pain is not neuropathic
- History of psychotic or bipolar disorder included if well managed for at least 3 months and capable of participation
- Current chronic illness with frequent pain included if acute pain is unrelated
- Current chronic pain included if acute pain is unrelated
You will not qualify if you...
- Pain intensity too severe to understand study instructions
- Injury or illness preventing understanding or following instructions
- History of chronic pain at presentation or documented in medical record
- Pain from traumatic event causing PTSD
- Neurological disorder
- Blood pressure over 160/100 mmHg
- Taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs other than aspirin
- Pregnancy
- Current alcohol or substance dependence
- Conditions preventing successful intervention
- Treatment for chronic or significant diseases such as rheumatoid disease, current influenza, or heart disease
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60612
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
John W Burns, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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