Study finds training your mind may relieve chronic back pain.
Study finds training your mind may relieve chronic back pain.
Changing Your Beliefs About Pain: A Breakthrough in Treating Chronic Back Pain
Changing your beliefs about pain may help relieve chronic back pain, study finds. Amor Burakova/Stocksy
Did you know that about 20% of people worldwide live with chronic pain? One of the most common types of chronic pain is chronic back pain. Fortunately, researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have recently discovered new evidence supporting the effectiveness of brain-based treatments for this condition. In this article, we will delve into the study’s findings and explore the connection between the brain and chronic back pain.
Understanding Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain can occur anywhere in the spine, although it is most commonly experienced in the lumbar spine. There are various causes for this condition, including spinal cord injuries, improper posture, muscle atrophy, repetitive movements, slipped or bulging discs, spinal diseases, aging, and back or spinal deformities. The symptoms of chronic back pain can range from mild to intense pain, aching, and/or burning that does not go away, pain that extends to the legs and hips, swelling in the back, difficulty urinating, fever, and unintended weight loss.
The Brain and Chronic Back Pain Connection
Researchers have been studying the link between the brain and chronic back pain. One study found that people with chronic low back pain had decreased activity in certain parts of their brain responsible for the release of dopamine, commonly referred to as the body’s “feel-good” hormone that also helps relieve pain. This indicates that brain changes, rather than physical issues like bulging discs or bad posture, are primarily responsible for chronic back pain. The brain amplifies signals it receives from the back, leading to ongoing pain.
Dr. Yoni Ashar, an assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, states, “The pain is always real. Sometimes, it can be caused by issues in the back, and sometimes it can be caused by changes in the brain — but in all cases, the pain is real.” The good news is that these brain changes are completely reversible, and recovery from pain is possible.
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Pain Reprocessing Therapy: A Breakthrough Treatment
The recent study by Dr. Ashar and his team focused on the impact of pain reprocessing therapy on chronic back pain. This psychological treatment helps individuals recognize pain signals sent to the brain as less threatening, breaking the cycle of fear and avoidance that often accompanies chronic pain. By shifting the mindset to view the pain as due to misfiring brain pathways rather than physical harm, individuals can reduce their fear and better manage their pain.
The study enrolled 151 participants with chronic back pain, half of whom received pain reprocessing therapy while the other half received a placebo. The pain reprocessing therapy involved telehealth sessions with a doctor and individual therapy sessions twice weekly for four weeks. Surprisingly, two-thirds of participants who received pain reprocessing therapy reported being pain-free or nearly pain-free after the treatment, compared to only 20% of those who received the placebo.
Shift in Pain Attributions
Along with pain relief, the study also examined the effect of pain reprocessing therapy on pain attributions, which are people’s beliefs about the underlying causes of their pain. Interestingly, before the treatment, only 10% of participants attributed their pain to the mind or brain. However, after the therapy, that percentage increased to 51%. Dr. Ashar suggests that doctors can help patients understand that their pain is caused by fear, avoidance, or brain processes rather than physical injury, which can lead to a reduction in pain. The more patients shifted their perception of pain to the mind or brain, the more their pain decreased.
The Importance of a Proper Mental Space
Dr. Jian Guan, a board-certified neurosurgeon, emphasizes the importance of patients with chronic back pain being in the right mental state. While mechanical and biological factors play a role in pain, the mental aspect is equally significant. Dr. Guan appreciates how the study highlights the complexity of the mind-body connection and stresses the nuance in addressing chronic pain.
Dr. Ilan Danan, a sports neurologist and pain management specialist, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need to explore indirect ways of addressing pain beyond direct treatments. He believes that raising awareness about the brain’s role in pain perception and interpretation can lead to better patient outcomes.
In conclusion, changing our beliefs about pain and understanding the brain’s role in chronic back pain can revolutionize treatment approaches. Pain reprocessing therapy offers a breakthrough strategy for managing chronic back pain by retraining the brain to perceive pain signals differently. By shifting our focus from solely physical causes to brain-based changes, we can pave the way for recovery from chronic pain. So, take heart and know that relief is possible by embracing a comprehensive approach that encompasses both the physical and psychological aspects of chronic back pain.
