Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Chronic Low-Back Pain: A Study Investigating the Impact on Endocrine, Physical, and Psychologic Functioning

Abstract

The cortisol increase in the MBSR group is a promising finding, in the context of CLBP hypocortisolism. Data show that the effects of the MBSR treatment may take time to surface. However, due to small sample size, decisive interpretation of findings is limited. Nevertheless, the MBSR program may show promise for CLBP and should be an avenue for further investigation through larger clinical trials within healthcare systems.

A Literature Review Evaluating the Efficacy of Meditation as an Adjunctive Method for Managing Chronic Lower Back Pain

“…As a secondary form of analysis, Ardito et al measured changes in pain severity, quality of life and depression were measured using the Numeric Rating Scale, the SF-36 Health Status Inventory, and the Beck Depression Inventory, respectively. A total of eight participant completed the entire meditation treatment program and also reported high degree of compliance (Ardito et al, 2017). Ardito et al (2017) found that among the eight participants who completed the meditation program, there was no significant difference between baseline and post treatment levels in salivary cortisol measured in the morning (P = 0.08).…”

“…A total of eight participant completed the entire meditation treatment program and also reported high degree of compliance (Ardito et al, 2017). Ardito et al (2017) found that among the eight participants who completed the meditation program, there was no significant difference between baseline and post treatment levels in salivary cortisol measured in the morning (P = 0.08). However, a significant increase from baseline to post treatment levels in salivary cortisol was found in evening measurements (P = 0.006).…”

“…Ardito et al conducted the program at the Department of Pain Management of the Hospital Santa Croce and Carle in Italy. The participants had all experienced at least three months of chronic lower back pain and ranged in ages from 20 to 65 (Ardito et al, 2017). Participants were excluded if they were also receiving psychiatric treatments (Ardito et al, 2017).…”

“…The participants had all experienced at least three months of chronic lower back pain and ranged in ages from 20 to 65 (Ardito et al, 2017). Participants were excluded if they were also receiving psychiatric treatments (Ardito et al, 2017). The Ardito et al study lasted 8 weeks, in which participants completed weekly 2-hour group sessions, at home self-care practices, and during the second to last week they completed a 7-hour group session.…”

“…The Ardito et al study lasted 8 weeks, in which participants completed weekly 2-hour group sessions, at home self-care practices, and during the second to last week they completed a 7-hour group session. The practices included body-scan meditation, sitting and walking meditation as well as yoga exercises (Ardito et al, 2017). As a secondary form of analysis, Ardito et al measured changes in pain severity, quality of life and depression were measured using the Numeric Rating Scale, the SF-36 Health Status Inventory, and the Beck Depression Inventory, respectively.…”