Galway researchers are currently recruiting patients with back pain to take part in a trial of a new pain prevention programme.

The Centre for Pain Research at NUI Galway is looking for patients to take part in the Pain Disability Prevention Programme (PDP) trial, which is funded by the HSE. 

The study offers patients 10 sessions with a psychologist who is trained in pain management. 

According to the Centre, these sessions will focus on active rehabilitation, pacing techniques, cognitive therapy to identify negative thinking and stretching and exercising to improve physical function. 

Sessions are free of charge and will take place in counties Galway, Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Limerick and Cork. GPs and physiotherapists are being encouraged to refer patients to the study.
 
Those organising the research programme are interested in hearing from patients who have back pain and are either off work or on shorter hours due to pain.  Rehabilitation sessions are free and take place locally, and patients must have pain for no longer than 12 months. 

All patients can access physiotherapy and other support services as usual while involved in the trial.
 
For further information about taking part contact Miriam Raftery, Centre for Pain Research, NUI Galway, email miriam.raftery@nuigalway.ie, Tel 091 495 830 or see the website www.nuigalway.ie/pdp