Central sensitization and beliefs among patients with chronic pain in a primary health care unit

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The pain that persists for more than three months is classified as chronic pain. Current studies suggest the existence of a dynamic relationship between biological changes, psychological state, and social context within the pain phenomenon and its chronicity. Central sensitization can be defined as the amplification of the neural signaling within the central nervous system that causes pain hypersensitivity, characterized by overlapping symptoms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the central sensitization, dysfunctional beliefs and other variables such as self-perception about sleep quality in a group of patients with chronic pain. METHODS: The patients answered sociodemographic questions, questions about pain-related habits and beliefs, and completed the central sensitization questionnaire. RESULTS: The 30 participants involved in the study had a mean value of 49.86±16.14 for central sensitization, as well as a high presence of dysfunctional beliefs and poor sleep self-perception. CONCLUSION: The need for a biopsychosocial look aiming to investigate the beliefs and level of central sensitization of patients with chronic pain is becoming increasingly necessary, as it is essential to understand the socioeconomic conditions of each individual for better evaluation and management. An initial educational approach in an easy language that stimulated the reflection and participation of patients to understand their symptoms was well accepted by these patients.

The genetic influence of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism in chronic low back pain

“…Most treatment strategies for CLBP are still based on the biomedical model, that is, structural-anatomicalmechanical [10]. However, the biopsychosocial model is based on a dynamic relationship between the biological changes, psychological status, and social context, emphasizing that these factors have different roles in chronic pain, disability, and emotional maladjustment [11]. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) Val66Met of the BDNF gene with clinical and biopsychosocial factors in patients with CLBP.…”

Pain Assessment in Patients during Hemodialysis Treatment: Quality Improvement Project

“…Due to the high prevalence of chronic pain in the general population, a paradigm shift in the approach to pain is essential. This involves a multi-professional and multimodal approach to pain management, focusing not only on pharmacological treatments but also on complementing them with non-pharmacological treatments [ 19 ].…”

Prevalence of Central Sensitization in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Disorders

“…There is strong evidence that chronic pain may be associated with physical disability, emotional disorders, and social difficulties. In addition, it has been recognized that emotional, cognitive, and social factors mediate the subjective experience of pain 6 .…”