Created and led by Robert Buren, a PhD candidate with lived experience of SCI and neuropathic/chronic pain, this 10-week online program is designed to help people with SCI reduce and manage pain by shifting their mindset and behaviours.
Through 7 weeks of group education and one-on-one coaching, participants will be encouraged to adopt and use recommended brain- and body-based self-management tools. Frequent surveys will track changes in pain and well-being.
Why should you participate?
Chronic pain is one of the most difficult and life-altering challenges faced by individuals with SCI. By participating in this research study, you will help researchers test a pain recovery tools program for yourself and others with SCI and pain.
You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:
- Have a spinal cord injury (SCI) from a traumatic or non-traumatic cause, experiencing neuropathic/chronic pain.
- Are age 18 years or older, and living in Canada.
- Can read, speak, and understand English, and have reliable access to connect and communicate online.
- Can commit to 10 weeks of data collection (a check-in every 5th day) starting 3 weeks prior to the 7 week intervention, and a 3-month post-intervention follow-up.
You may not be eligible to participate if you:
- Have an SCI or dysfunction from congenital (e.g., spina bifida), or, other neurological conditions (e.g., MS).
- Are currently enrolled in a pain relief program or counselling.
- Are unwilling or unable to keep pain-related medication stable for the 10 week study period.
Time commitment: Over 10 weeks: 6-hours of group online training (3 sessions); Four 1-hour coaching sessions; 4 long (25-minute) and 11 short (5-minute) surveys. During the 7 weeks of interaction, we recommend 10+ hours per week focused on solving SCI pain (e.g., reading, mindfulness, working out, watching recommended videos, etc.).
Compensation for participation: Participants will receive the program tools, not cash, in exchange for completing data collection.
For more information or to sign up to participate, please contact study coordinator Robert Buren by email.
