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There's More to Back Pain than Pain in the Back

Much more is known about pain today than ever before. But our new knowledge isn't helping pain sufferers much. Drugs, surgery, and even spinal cord implants just don't cut it for most chronic pain patients. New research suggests that psychologic factors are key to pain. Thoughts, beliefs, and expectations may play a bigger role than we thought in long-term pain.

In this study, Dr. Turk, a well-known scientist on the topic of pain, reviews the latest pain-related research. He reports on the beliefs of pain sufferers, how to predict which patients will have chronic pain, and who will get better with treatment. Here are a few of his findings:

  • The way patients interpret their symptoms determines their pain and their response to treatment.
  • Some people may focus more attention on their body's signals, causing them to sense pain from nonpainful signals.
  • Trying to avoid pain leads to inactivity and more pain.
  • Pain is worse if the patient thinks the problem is more serious. For example, fewer drugs are needed to control leg pain for fibromyalgia than when the patient thinks the problem is cancer.
  • Mood and ability to cope may be keys to pain control. Both affect muscle tension, natural painkillers in the body, and stress hormones.
  • Fear of movement, fear of re-injury, and expecting increased pain affects some patients more than actual pain sensations and signals.

    Despite these findings, there is hope. Other studies show with the right kind of rehab, patients can shift their beliefs. It is possible to move from a helpless approach to improving function despite the pain. Some studies have shown improved success rates when pain-related anxiety is reduced. Giving patients better coping strategies may also be helpful.

    • Reference: 

    Dennis C. Turk, PhD. Understanding Pain Sufferers: The Role of Cognitive Processes. In The Spine Journal. January/February 2004. Vol. 4. No. 1. Pp. 1-7.


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