Chronic pain is prevalent and disabling in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Medications alone often do not cure the pain. Pilot research suggests that training in the combination of self-hypnosis and cognitive therapy (HCT) can reduce chronic SCI-related pain. Thus far, people have learned HCT only through in-person training sessions plus home practice. The investigators think that training in HCT could be as effective if the training is done via videoconferencing. The purpose of this study is to find out whether people who are trained in HCT via videoconferencing achieve significant pain relief and other benefits compared to people who receive usual medical care (UC) for pain. Bettering our understanding of videoconferencing-delivered HYPNOCT can greatly increase treatment accessibility for individuals with SCI. Aim 1: To compare the efficacy of HYPNOCT vs. UC in adults with SCI and chronic pain. Investigators will compare the effect of the intervention on patient-reported average daily pain as measured by a 0-10 numerical rating scale. Aim 2: To examine sex, race/ethnicity, and pain type (neuropathic vs. non-neuropathic) as potential effect modifiers. Hypotheses Primary study hypothesis Hypothesis 1a: There will be a significantly greater reduction in average daily pain intensity from baseline to the end of treatment in the HYPNOCT group compared to the UC group. Secondary study hypotheses Hypothesis 1b: Compared to the UC group, participants in the HYPNOCT group will show greater improvement in pain interference, depression, sleep quality, subjective disability, health-related quality of life, community participation, pain catastrophizing, pain acceptance, and global improvement. Hypothesis 2: The investigators will examine whether sex, race/ethnicity, and pain type (neuropathic vs. non-neuropathic) exert a modifying effect upon outcomes.
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Change in Average Pain Intensity
Timeframe: Assessed via telepone four times within a 1-week period at baseline (prior to randomization), and at 6 and 12 weeks following randomization.