Selecting Effective Combinations of Treatment for Low Back Pain

Radiofrequency ablation of the dorsal rami of the lumbar spinal nerves, using electrode placement parallel to the medial branches, 18G electrodes or larger, and 2 lesions per nerve.

Performed in an identical fashion to the experimental arm (LRFA), except for medial branch lesioning, which will not be done in simulated LRFA, and 2) the simulated LRFA control group will receive an injection of triamcinolone acetonide at each site where a radiofrequency lesion would normally be applied.

AcTIVE-CBT involves a standardized CBT protocol for pain, delivered via a video telehealth interface. AcTIVE-CBT also incorporates use of an activity tracker to provide objective feedback on activity levels, which can inform participants' and providers' impressions of goals and progress.

TBSCE control is a focused program of CBT involving an initial 60-minute telephone education session by a psychologist; the provision of printed educational materials on chronic pain self-management, and a workbook for CBT self-management; and structured, written plans for weekly practice, reading and homework using the workbook.