The focus of this study is worry in chronic pain patients. Do they worry the same, more, or less than people who don't have chronic pain? Are chronic pain patients who seek treatment different from those who don't seek treatment? And finally, does the person who worries the most have the greatest pain and disability?

How and why pain becomes a chronic problem remains a mystery. Social research has been done to pinpoint factors that contribute to this transition. In this study, researchers focus on the role of attachment anxiety on the patient's pain experience.

Doctors are using a new tool called Clinical Prediction Rules (CPRs) to help tell what a patient's outcome might be for various problems. In this study researchers try to find CPRs for shoulder pain. Knowing what factors in patients with shoulder pain will predict the prognosis is helpful. Treatment decisions can be made with this information in mind. And patients have some idea of what to expect.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is properly named -- it is very complex! Scientists still aren't sure what causes it. In the last few years they have been able to divide it into two types: I and II. Drs. Jänig and Baron from the Christian-Albrechts University in Germany offer this editorial (opinion) on the topic.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a mystery. Every year 15,000 people in the United States are affected. After trauma of some kind to the arm or leg, pain and other symptoms persist long after healing has taken place. There are many theories to explain what went wrong but no known causes. In this study scientists find evidence to support the idea of nerve damage as a possible mechanism.

Studies of an amputated arm and leg have shed some light on the cause or effects of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). This painful condition of the extremities occurs after trauma to the area. It begins after something as minor as a mosquito bite. Major trauma such as injury or surgery for joint replacement can also bring it on.

You may have taken the Fear Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire (FABQ). This survey is a tool to help doctors and physical therapists identify patients who are afraid to move normally. Either fear of pain or fear of reinjury rules how or when they move.

Not at all. The new understanding of low back pain looks at the total person -- not just the biology and biomechanics of your spine. Back pain whether from an injury or unknown cause is very real. But the stresses and strains of the body as well as the stress on the mind are both part of the picture.

Your doctor is following the latest guidelines on the treatment of acute (new) back pain. Research shows most people get better on their own in the first two or three weeks. The best advice is to keep moving and active despite the pain.

It's really possible. Scientists using MRIs have been able to show that when an outside observer is with someone in pain, similar neurons in the brain are activated in both people. This process has been called a mirror neuron/circuit system.

Somehow the mind, body (felt sensations), and emotions are all linked together. As you've noticed, the sensations are not exactly the same for both people.