Web-Based Program Eases Physical and Psychological Burden of Chronic Pain

AUSTIN, Texas, May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- There is good news for the 76 million Americans who experience chronic pain including migraine, back pain, fibromyalgia and arthritis.  A new study reveals that an online, self-paced chronic pain management program reduces the physical and psychological burdens of this debilitating condition.  The data are being presented today at the 30th Annual American Pain Society meeting.

Linda S. Ruehlman, PhD, lead author and Director of Research at Goalistics, LLC, along with Paul Karoly, PhD, Director of Product Development at Goalistics, LLC and Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University, conducted a randomized controlled study of 305 people with chronic pain (162 people were randomly assigned to the online program for two months, 143 were wait listed).  Program users reported a statistically significant decrease in pain's interference with work, social activities, household chores and sleep.  Additionally, they experienced a significant reduction in stress, anxiety and depression while increasing their pain management knowledge.

"Our goal in developing the program was to take traditional pain treatment methods and transform them to an online format so that more people with chronic pain could learn effective pain management strategies at their own pace in the privacy of their own home," said Ruehlman.

The Goalistics Chronic Pain Management Program (http://pain.goalistics.com/) is based on research developed through grants awarded to Ruehlman and Karoly from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The program's four interactive learning centers utilize cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal models of chronic pain management and address thinking more constructively, managing emotions, pursuing goals and becoming more active, and improving social connections.  An in-depth chronic pain assessment forms the basis for a set of custom program recommendations tailored to the individual's needs. The highly interactive program also includes discussion forums and self-management tools to help the user monitor progress and stay on track.

About Chronic Pain

Chronic Pain affects 76 million Americans– more than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. Chronic pain can last for months or years and is a major source of disability in the United States. The annual cost of chronic pain in the US including healthcare expenses, lost income, lost productivity, compensation and litigation is estimated to be $100 billion. Beyond the physical toll, chronic pain is often accompanied by depression and anxiety which result in reduced quality of life.

About Goalistics, LLC

Goalistics, LLC (http://goalistics.com/) uses evidence-based clinical research to develop affordable, easy-to-use computer-based tools.  Utilizing a full array of electronic resources including online assessments, data tracking, reporting, videos, and discussion forums, Goalistics provides a dynamic foundation for interactive learning.  Goalistics' web-based approach addresses the need to provide access to resources to empower individuals to manage their health, psychological, and social needs.

Twittercue: Web-Based Program Eases Physical and Psychological Burden of Chronic Pain (http://goalistics.com/)# chronic pain

Contact: Linda S. Ruehlman, PhD
[email protected]

SOURCE Goalistics, LLC

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