An online treatment programme for people suffering with chronic pain has been extended due to the high number of enquiries received in recent weeks.

The programme was developed by expert psychologists and physiotherapists and is being coordinated by the Centre for Pain Research at NUI Galway, with the support of the Health Research Board (HRB).

The centre is currently recruiting people for the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) trial, which will provide eight online sessions to people in their own homes.

Currently, such supports are generally only available via hospital-based pain management teams.

Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than three months. It is increasingly being recognised as a disease in its own right and is estimated to affect over 30% of people in Ireland. As well as physical pain, there can be psychological effects, such as anxiety, forgetfulness and mood changes.

The ACT trial is open to people nationwide and will take place over the coming months. Participants will not have to attend any clinics or NUI Galway at any stage.

People can apply themselves, but GPs and physiotherapists are also being encouraged to refer suitable patients to the trial.

ACT is based on emerging evidence which suggests that mindfulness and psychological wellbeing are important in the management of chronic pain.

The sessions will focus on each individual's own values and goals and will include mindfulness techniques, cognitive behavioural therapy and activity-pacing techniques, which aim to encourage more consistent levels of activity from day to day.

"We know that psychological therapies provided to people with chronic pain are beneficial, particularly for people at risk of long-term disability. However, this type of service is often only accessible via specialised hospital-based pain management teams. In this trial, we will offer this type of service to people all over the country and at any stage of injury," explained the study's coordinator, Dr Christopher Dwyer.

The trial is free of charge and participants can continue to access physiotherapy and medical services as usual while taking part.

"This is a promising new online pain management programme and we are hopeful it will be of benefit to people with chronic pain," added the study's supervisor, Dr Brian McGuire.

To find out if you are eligible to take part, click here

For more information on NUI Galway's Centre for Pain Research, click here