A Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate a Community-based, Non-pharmacologic Program to Enhance Active Pain-Management Strategies for Individuals with SCI

Chronic pain after SCI typically begins within the first 6 months post-injury and remains prevalent over time, affecting as many as 80% of individuals at 25 years post-injury. This secondary condition has a profound impact on all arenas of life, has been associated with depression, unemployment, and reduced quality of life, and has significant costs due to healthcare utilization and lost productivity. Our site-specific research will expand the populations served by, and conduct a randomized clinical trial to fully evaluate a program for community-based, non-pharmacologic pain management for those with chronic pain after SCI. This research study will also examine the added benefits of a novel method of relaxation, heart rate variability biofeedback training, in persons with SCI.