This study investigated the clinical efficacy of in- and outpatient pain management programmes in comparison with a control group. Following physical examination and psychosocial assessments, and after obtaining informed consent, patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (1) a 4 week multidisciplinary inpatient pain management programme; (2) a 9 week (2 h/week) multidisciplinary outpatient programme; or (3) a control group. Self-report, behavioural and physiological measures were taken pre and post treatment. Patients in the treatment groups demonstrated significant improvement at posttreatment on measures of psychological distress, pain behaviour, health-related disability and pain intensity (following physical exertion) when compared with the control group. Little difference was demonstrated on the remaining measures. Difficulties encountered in conducting clinical research with this population and utilising a control group design are discussed.