Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Pain Prevention Intervention for Women Undergoing Surgery

The Investigators are doing this research to understand whether a pre-surgery virtual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group intervention combined with an activity tracker can reduce pain and opioid use in women with chronic stress undergoing elective spine surgery. Participants will be randomly divided in two groups and one of the groups will be invited to attend four weekly virtual CBT group sessions designed to improve reactions to stress, increase motivation for physical activity, develop tools for managing pain, and utilize mindfulness techniques. Two optional sessions will be available following surgery. Individuals randomized to usual care will not attend the online sessions but will continue to wear the activity tracker to provide information about their physical activity as well as the use of an App to track their pain and medication use. The ultimate goal of this research is to enhance stress management and coping skills to help patients better manage pain after surgery and reduce their need for opioid medications.