An evaluation of a behavioral program for chronic pain.

The current study evaluated a behavioral program for the management of chronic pain. One hundred twenty-one patients were treated. Primary pain complaints were predominantly in the low back or head/neck/face regions. Patients participated in a 4-week inpatient treatment package consisting of controlled medication reduction, physical therapy, behavioral group therapy, self-monitoring, contracting, and biofeedback/relaxation training. Several measures of verbal/nonverbal pain behavior and physical functioning were obtained over the baseline, treatment, and follow-up periods. Results showed significant reductions in analgesic medication use and verbal/nonverbal pain behavior and improvements in physical functioning, employment status, and pro-health behaviors which were maintained at 12-month follow-up.