Optimising treatment expectations in chronic lower back pain through observing others: a study protocol for a randomised clinical trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Chronic lower back pain (CLBP) is a frequent cause of medical consultations worldwide, and it results in decreased quality of life and disability. Current treatments for CLBP are often not effective, and alternatives are urgently needed. Three promising possibilities have emerged: (1) open-label placebo treatment reduces chronic pain, (2) placebo treatment is as efficacious as opioid treatment with a high correlation between patient expectation and treatment outcome, and (3) observing positive effects in another patient can improve functional capacity. We hypothesise that treatment expectations can be positively influenced through social observation and improve treatment outcome.

Methods and analysis

In our clinical trial, we will randomise patients with CLBP in

SUBMITTER: Stuhlreyer J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8753422 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature