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Preoperative Opioid Tapering Before Spine Surgery

A Pilot Study of the Feasibility of Preoperative Opioid Tapering Before Spine Surgery Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Measuring Postoperative Outcomes

Who can join

Ages 18 and older · All sexes

Inclusion:

* at least 18 years old
* scheduled for major spine surgery (i.e. at least 1 level of fusion) with hospital admission of at least one night
* scheduled for spine surgery at least 4 weeks ahead of time
* takes between 40 and 200 oral morphine equivalents daily

Exclusion:

* inability to use a computer or tablet for telemedicine encounters
* non-English-speaking
* inability to complete assessments
* positive screen on the Columbia Suicide Screening Assessment

About the study

This is a pilot study in which patients taking opioids chronically who are scheduled for spine surgery at least 4 weeks in advance will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: opioid tapering with education alone or opioid tapering with education plus cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The primary objective is to determine the proportion of each group that is successful in achieving their opioid tapering goals by the time of surgery.

What is being tested

• Opioid tapering with CBT and education (other)
• Opioid tapering with education alone (other)

Sponsor: Thomas Jefferson University · Participants: 45 · Started: Dec 1, 2025

Contact the study team

• Eric Schwenk, MD · Phone: 267-239-3319

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07221786

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Opioid Overdose

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Oct 2, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.