Intervención Psicofisiológica basada en la Teoría Polivagal para Manejo del Dolor Lumbar Crónico / Psychophysiological Intervention based on the Polyvagal Theory for the Management of Chronic Low Back Pain

Resumen El dolor lumbar crónico es un padecimiento común asociado a problemas físicos y afectivos. Recientemente, Dana (2019) sugirió un conjunto de estrategias psicológicas breves, basadas en los principios de la Teoría Polivagal, para el manejo del estrés, sin embargo, su uso no se ha aplicado en el campo del dolor. El presente estudio evaluó la eficacia de un plan de tratamiento en regulación autonómica del complejo vagal ventral para la disminución de la intensidad e interferencia del dolor, así como el efecto sobre la ansiedad, la depresión y catastrofización. Mediante un estudio pre experimental, con un muestreo no probabilístico, se utilizó un diseño de medidas repetidas para evaluar los efectos de un programa breve en pacientes con lumbalgia, sobre medidas psicométricas de dolor, ansiedad, depresión y catastrofización, así como la regulación fisiológica autonómica de la Frecuencia Cardiaca y la Temperatura Periférica. Los resultados revelaron una disminución significativa (p < .05) de la interferencia del dolor del estado anímico, el trabajo, la ansiedad, depresión y la catastrofización; así como un incremento en la temperatura periférica. Esto sugiere que el tratamiento fue eficaz para el manejo de problemas afectivos de estos pacientes, y consistente con los niveles de activación fisiológica propuestos por la Teoría Polivagal.

Abstract Chronic low back pain is a common chronic pain condition, associated with physical and emotional problems. Recently, Dana (2019) suggested a set of brief psychological strategies, based on the principles of the Polyvagal Theory, for stress management in people with chronic affective problems; however, no use has not been applied in the field of pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a treatment plan based on the autonomic regulation of the ventral vagal complex for the reduction of pain intensity, mood, behavioral and social interference, as well as the effect on anxiety, depression, and catastrophizing associated with pain. Through a pre-experimental study, with a non-probabilistic demonstration, a repeated measures design was obtained to evaluate the effects of a brief program in patients with low back pain, on validated psychometric measures of pain, anxiety, depression, and catastrophizing, as well as autonomic physiological regulation. Heart rate and peripheral temperature. Results revealed a significant (p < .05) decrease in pain interference from mood, work, anxiety, depression, and catastrophizing, as well as an increase in peripheral temperature. This suggests that the treatment was effective in managing the affective problems of these patients, and consistent with the levels of physiological activation proposed by the Polyvagal Theory on the affective state.

Can high pain intensity and catastrophizing interfere with the cognitive performance of women with chronic pain related TMD? A cross-sectional study

Abstract Interventions based on pain education and self-management are dependent on factors such as attention, memory, concentration, and executive function. Objective To explore the relationship between cognitive performance and the variables pain intensity, central sensitization, catastrophizing, and hypervigilance in women diagnosed with chronic pain-related TMD. Methodology This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 33 women (mean age: 38±4.6 years; range: 18 to 66 years) with chronic pain-related TMD (myalgia and/or arthralgia) diagnosed according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). Specific questionnaires were used to evaluate cognitive performance, overall pain intensity, central sensitization, hypervigilance, and pain catastrophizing. The data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and backward stepwise multiple linear regression (statistical significance at 5% alpha). Results Approximately 53% of the study sample showed decreased cognitive performance. High central sensitization, hypervigilance, and pain catastrophizing were observed. A significant negative correlation was observed between cognitive performance and hypervigilance (p=.003, r=−.49), cognitive performance and catastrophizing (p<.001, r=−.58), and cognitive performance and pain intensity (p<.001, r=−.58). Regarding the partial regression coefficients, only catastrophizing and pain intensity showed statistical significance (t=−2.12, p=.043; t=−2.64, p=.014, respectively), indicating a significant role in explaining cognitive performance at the sample. Conclusion High pain intensity and the presence of catastrophic thoughts regarding pain can predict impaired cognitive performance in women with chronic pain-related TMD. Management strategies addressing psychosocial dimensions such as reducing catastrophizing and ensuring complete understanding of the condition are important.

Influence of anxiety and catastrophizing on pain perception in orthodontic treatment and its association with inflammatory cytokines

Abstract Pain is common in orthodontic treatment, is subject to individual variation, and is associated with anxiety and stress, which can potentially become catastrophizing. The aim of the present study was to determine the variability of pain response after the insertion of orthodontic separators and to assess the association of pain levels with dental anxiety, catastrophizing, tooth sensitivity, and genetic expression of cytokines. To this end, 70 patients of both genders were divided into two equal groups according to the elastomeric separator used: G1 (Dentaurum) and G2 (Orthometric). Two separators were inserted in the mesial and distal sides of the lower right first molar. Participants were instructed to rate the level of pain at T0 (before insertion), T1 (just after insertion), and T2 (24 hours after insertion) on a visual analog scale. The gingival crevicular fluid was collected at T0 and T2. The levels of anxiety, catastrophizing, tooth sensitivity, and cytokine expression were also assessed. Statistical analysis was performed with the Fisher-Freeman-Halton, chi-squared, Spearman's correlation, and dependent and independent t tests (α=5%). Pain intensity was higher at T2 than at T1, in both groups (P<.05). An association was established (P<.05) between pain intensity at T1 and catastrophizing, and at T2 with anxiety and catastrophizing. Within-group differences in cytokine expression were found between T0 and T2. There was no correlation between cytokine expression and pain levels, anxiety, catastrophizing, and sensitivity at T2. Tooth separation produced variable pain levels, which were influenced by anxiety and catastrophizing, however, pain level was not correlated with increased cytokine expression.

Associations between postoperative analgesic consumption and distress tolerance, anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing: a prospective observational study

Abstract Background Patients' postoperative treatment might be affected by their psychological state. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of anxiety, coping ability (stress tolerance), depression, and pain catastrophizing on analgesic consumption in patients scheduled for sleeve gastrectomy. Methods This prospective observational study consisted of 72 patients. The Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) were completed in the preoperative period. In the postoperative period, pain intensity, as measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and morphine consumption (mg) were evaluated after 2, 6, 8, and 24 hours. Total morphine consumption was recorded. Results The results revealed a strong negative correlation between distress tolerance and postoperative total morphine consumption (r = -0.702, p< 0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between total morphine consumption and pain catastrophizing (r = 0.801, p< 0.001). A moderate positive correlation was observed between total morphine consumption and anxiety and between total morphine consumption and depression (r = 0.511, p< 0.001; r = 0.556, p< 0.001, respectively). Linear regression revealed that distress tolerance, anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing are predictors of postoperative morphine consumption (β = 0.597, p< 0.001; β = 0.207, p= 0.036; β = 0.140, p= 0.208; β = 0.624, p< 0.001, respectively). Conclusions Distress tolerance, anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing can be predictive of postoperative analgesic consumption. In the estimation of postoperative analgesic consumption, distress tolerance, as well as anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing, were found to be important predictors.

Validation of the Brazilian version of the child pain catastrophizing scale and its relationship with a marker of central sensitization

Abstract Objectives The Pain Catastrophizing Scale-Child version (PCS-C) allows to identify children who are prone to catastrophic thinking. We aimed to adapt the Brazilian version of PCS-C (BPCS-C) to examine scale psychometric properties and factorial structure in children with and without chronic pain. Also, we assessed its correlation with salivary levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Methods The Brazilian version of PCS-C was modified to adjust it for 7-12 years old children. To assess psychometric properties, 100 children (44 with chronic pain from a tertiary hospital and 56 healthy children from a public school) answered the BPCS-C, the visual analogue pain scale, and questions about pain interference in daily activities. We also collected a salivary sample to measure BDNF. Results We observed good internal consistency (Cronbach's value = 0.81). Parallel analysis retained 2 factors. Confirmatory factor analysis of our 2-factor model revealed consistent goodness-of-fit (IFI = 0.946) when compared to other models. There was no correlation between visual analogue pain scale and the total BPCS-C score; however, there was an association between pain catastrophizing and difficulty in doing physical activities in school (p= 0.01). BPCS-C total scores were not different between groups. We found a marginal association with BPCS-C (r= 0.27, p= 0.01) and salivary BDNF levels. Discussion BPCS-C is a valid instrument with consistent psychometric properties. The revised 2-dimension proposed can be used for this population. Children catastrophism is well correlated with physical limitation, but the absence of BPCS-C score differences between groups highlights the necessity of a better understanding about catastrophic thinking in children.

Low back pain: biopsychosocial aspects of chronic and acute pain / Lombalgias: aspectos biopsicossociais da dor crônica e da dor aguda

Chronic low back pain is a highly prevalent pathology, which has unclear associations with psychosocial aspects. This study investigated differences between patients with chronic low back pain (n = 25) and acute low back pain (n = 20) and verified the effect of the variables assessed on the pain mean. The design was cross-sectional, and the instruments applied were: sociodemographic interviews, Brief Pain Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory II, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Personality Factor Battery, Social Support Scale and Pain Catastrophizing Scale. The chronic pain group had significantly higher means of pain intensity, anxiety and catastrophic thoughts. In the regression analysis, the factor Depression of the Personality Factor Battery and belonging to the chronic pain group were found as predictors of the mean pain in the sample studied. It is understood that psychological factors are associated with the pain condition and require further investigation.

A lombalgia crônica é uma patologia de alta prevalência, que apresenta associações não esclarecidas com aspectos psicossociais. O estudo investigou diferenças entre pacientes com dor lombar crônica (n = 25) e aguda (n = 20), bem como verificou o efeito das variáveis avaliadas na média de dor. O delineamento foi transversal, e os instrumentos aplicados foram: entrevista sociodemográfica, Inventário Breve de Dor, Inventário Beck de Depressão II, Escala de Ansiedade de Hamilton, Bateria Fatorial de Personalidade, Escala de Apoio Social e Escala de Pensamentos Catastróficos sobre Dor. O grupo de dor crônica apresentou médias significativamente mais altas na intensidade da dor, na ansiedade e nos pensamentos catastróficos. Na análise de regressão, o fator Depressão da Bateria Fatorial de Personalidade e o fato de pertencer ao grupo de dor crônica foram encontrados como preditores da média de dor na amostra estudada. Entende-se que fatores psicológicos mostram-se associados ao quadro, sendo necessárias maiores investigações.

Pain catastrophizing as a predictor for postoperative opioid requirements for breakthrough pain in patients undergoing elective surgery admitted in a private institution from January 2021 to June 2021

BACKGROUND@#Post-operative pain management is a major challenge encountered by anesthesiologists. Opioids remain to be the most frequently administered analgesic for acute pain despite its many untoward side effects. Little is known about pre-operative pain perception and the psychophysiologic aspects of pain control and response, such as Pain Catastrophizing. The observer aims to identify if pain catastrophizing could be a good predictor for post- operative opioid requirement for breakthrough pain.@*METHODS@#Patients scheduled for elective surgery were stratified pre-operatively as Catastrophizers and Non- Catastrophizers using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Their patient profile, and total opioid consumption in the following stages of surgery: intra- operatively, recovery room admission, and the first post-operative day, were recorded and converted to morphine equivalent doses.@*RESULTS@#The comparative analysis of the morphine equivalent doses between catastrophizers and non- catastrophizers show that it is significantly different between the two groups of patients for opioid consumption for breakthrough pain in the recovery room and on the first post-operative day. The values suggest that there are significantly higher doses in catastrophizers than in the non-catastrophizers.@*CONCLUSION@#Pain Catastrophizers were shown to require a significantly higher amount of opioids for breakthrough pain during recovery room admission and first post-operative day versus Non-Catastrophizers. This finding is consistent with the existing literature suggesting that pain catastrophizing is a predictor of post-operative opioid consumption in patients undergoing various elective surgeries.

Impact of pain catastrophizing on disability in patients with low back pain mediated by anxiety and depression / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of anxiety and depressive symptoms in mediation of pain catastrophizing on disability in patients with low back pain.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 97 patients with low back pain in the Changjiang Subdistrict community health center from July to October 2021. Oswestry Disability Index, pain catastrophic subscale in Coping Strategies Questionnaire-24, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-short version, Patient Health Depression Questionnaire-short version were used to evaluate the activity dysfunction, pain catastrophic cognition and anxiety and depression levels of patients,respectively. Path analysis was implemented to test the mediation model, and the indirect effects were assessed using the bootstrap procedure with bias-corrected 95 %CI. Results:Results suggested significant positive correlations among pain catastrophizing, anxiety, depressive symptoms and disability of patients. In addition, both anxiety and depressive symptoms significantly mediated the impact of pain catastrophizing on disability (standardized indirect effects were 0.183 and 0.197, P<0.05). Patients with higher levels of pain catastrophic cognition showed higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms (β=0.757, 0.720; P<0.01), and reported more severe motor dysfunction (β=0.241, 0.274; P<0.05). Conclusions:Our findings suggest that anxiety and depression may be the psychological pathways through which pain catastrophizing predicts disability in patients with low back pain. Effective psychological interventions, such as emotion regulation and stress reduction strategies should be considered in treatment and supportive care for patients with low back pain.

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

Abstract Background: The Val66Met polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene is a potential biomarker of vulnerability to pain. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the association of this polymorphism with clinical and biopsychosocial factors in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: A total of 107 individuals with CLBP answered questionnaires that were validated and adapted for the Brazilian population, including the Brief Inventory of Pain, the Central Sensitization Inventory, the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Survey of Pain Attitude-Brief, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. All of the subjects were genotyped for the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism. Results: The sample showed moderate scores of disability, central sensitization, and kinesiophobia, in addition to mild anxiety, hopelessness, and ruminant thoughts. No significant association was observed between the Val66Met polymorphism and the variables analyzed. Besides, there was no relationship between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism with CSI, catastrophization, or disabilities that were generated by CLBP. Conclusions: The results showed that the Val66Met polymorphism of the BDNF gene was not associated with clinical and biopsychosocial characteristics of CLBP in the sample studied.

Relationship between psychosocial factors and effects of acupuncture after four weeks in patients with chronic low back pain (2nd Report) / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

[Objective] In the past, we reported results focusing on the immediate effect of psychosocial factors that influence the effects of acupuncture on patients with chronic low back pain. In the present study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of the data before and after four weeks of acupuncture therapy.[Materials and Methods] Fifty-three patients with an initial diagnosis of chronic low back pain who visited the Acupuncture Department of the Center for Integrative Medicine, Tsukuba University of Technology between August and December 2019 and showed baseline lumbar pain intensity by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) > 30 mm, were subjects of this study. Psychosocial scales viz, Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), social factors (cohabitation family situation, final education, social participation status), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ), and impression of acupuncture were recorded using a self-administered questionnaire at the first visit and at four weeks after the first acupuncture therapy. Based on VAS, RDQ, and anchor questions about low back pain before and four weeks after the acupuncture therapy, patients were classified into "effective group" and "non-effective group"; then, the logistic regression analysis was performed using this classification as a dependent variable. In addition, r repeated measures analysis of variance (rANOVA) was performed on the data before and after four weeks of acupuncture therapy.[Results and Discussion] The number of patients in the "effective group" and "non-effective group" were 24 and 29, respectively. Among items used as covariates in the logistic regression analysis, the PCS (OR: 0.924, P = 0.037) and age (OR: 0.418, P = 0.005) showed statistical significance. In the rANOVA, all the evaluated items showed statistically significant differences before and after four weeks; only VAS in motion showed a statistically significant difference (P = 0.046) regarding the presence or absence of an immediate effect. Therefore, it was suggested that it is important to focus on psychosocial factors from an early stage of therapy, and to make appropriate evaluations and judgments based on both physical and psychosocial aspects of patients to treat them effectively.

Impact of catastrophizing on pain during orthodontic treatment

ABSTRACT Objective: This study proposed to investigate the influence of catastrophizing and others factors related to pain during orthodontic treatment. Methods: 27 patients with 0.022 x 0.028-in Straight-wire brackets were evaluated during alignment and leveling phase with nickel-titanium wires. Visual Analog Scales measured the intensity of orthodontic pain at six moments after a clinical appointment: 6 first hours; 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days. Multiple linear regression and stepwise approach assessed the influence of the following variables on pain: catastrophizing, sex, age, duration of treatment, clinical appointment time (morning or afternoon), and wire diameter. Results: The highest pain intensity was reported 24 hours after activation. These data were used to analyze factors associated with pain level. Age (r = 0.062, p= 0.7586), sex (p= 0.28), catastrophizing (r = -0.268, p= 0.1765), and orthodontic wire diameter (r = 0.0245, p= 0.2181) were not correlated with orthodontic pain in the univariate statistics. Catastrophizing was included in the multiple regression model because it was of great interest. Duration of orthodontic treatment (r = 0.6045, p= 0.0008) and the time when orthodontic appliance was activated (p= 0.0106) showed statistical significant associations with pain, and were also included in the multivariate regression, which showed that about 32% of orthodontic pain could be explained by the duration of treatment (R2= 0.32, p= 0.0475). Catastrophizing (R2= 0.0006, p= 0.8881) and clinical appointment time were not significantly associated with pain (R2= 0.037, p= 0.2710). Conclusions: Pain after activation of fixed orthodontic appliance is not associated with catastrophizing as well as age, sex, orthodontic wire diameter, and period of activation.

RESUMO Objetivo: O presente estudo propôs-se a investigar a influência da catastrofização e outros fatores relacionados à dor durante o tratamento ortodôntico. Métodos: Foram selecionados 27 pacientes em tratamento com braquetes Straight-wire, slot 0,022" x 0,028", na fase de alinhamento e nivelamento com fios de níquel-titânio. Usando Escalas Visuais Analógicas, mensurou-se a intensidade da dor em seis momentos após a ativação do aparelho: primeiras 6 horas; após 1, 2, 3, 5 e 7 dias. Por meio de regressão linear múltipla e regressão stepwise, avaliou-se a influência das seguintes variáveis sobre a dor: catastrofização, sexo, idade, tempo de tratamento, turno de atendimento (manhã ou tarde) e diâmetro do fio ortodôntico. Resultados: A maior intensidade de dor foi relatada 24 horas após a consulta de ativação do aparelho. Assim, esses dados foram usados para analisar os fatores associados ao nível de dor. Na análise estatística univariada, idade (r = 0,062, p= 0,7586), sexo (p= 0,28), catastrofização (r = -0,268, p= 0,1765) e diâmetro do fio ortodôntico (r = 0,0245, p= 0,2181) não estavam associados à dor. Apesar disso, a catastrofização foi incluída no modelo de regressão múltipla, por ser uma variável de maior interesse nesse estudo. A duração do tratamento ortodôntico (r = 0,6045, p= 0,0008) e o turno no qual o aparelho foi ativado (p= 0,0106) mostraram associação estatisticamente significativa com a dor e também foram incluídos na regressão multivariada, que mostrou que cerca de 32% da ocorrência de dor no tratamento ortodôntico poderiam ser explicados pelo tempo de tratamento (R2= 0,32, p= 0,0475). Catastrofização (R2= 0,0006, p= 0,8881) e turno de ativação do aparelho (R2= 0,037, p= 0,2710) não tiveram influência significativa sobre a ocorrência de dor. Conclusão: A dor após a ativação do aparelho não está associada à catastrofização, bem como à idade, sexo, diâmetro do fio ortodôntico e turno de atendimento.

Pain catastrophizing is associated with the Val66Met polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor in fibromyalgia

Abstract Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a musculoskeletal chronic pain syndrome that impacts negatively patient's daily lives. Its pathogenesis is characterized by a complex relationship between biological and psychosocial factors not fully understood yet. Pain catastrophizing is associated with FM and is an important predictor of outcomes. This study aimed to answer two questions: (i) whether the allele and genotype frequencies of BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphism differs between FM patients and healthy controls (HC); and (ii) if the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is a factor that predicts pain catastrophizing in FM. Methods: In a cross-sectional design, 108 FM patients and 108 HC were included. FM patients responded to the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (BP-PCS) to assess pain catastrophizing, as well as other validated tools for anxiety (The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - STAI), depression (Beck Depression Inventory II -BDI-II) and functional aspects (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire - FIQ; Central Sensitization Inventory validated and adapted for Brazilian population - CSI-BP; Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index - PSQI; and Resilience Scale). All subjects were genotyped for the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism. Results: Val allele was significantly more frequent in FM patients compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Also, FM patients with Val/Val genotype showed more pain catastrophizing thoughts, and this genotype was significantly associated with magnification and rumination dimensions of BP-PCS (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there were significant differences in levels of anxiety and symptoms of depression, years of education, and the functional situation between the FM and control groups. Conclusions: The findings show an association of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism with pain catastrophizing in FM, which opens new avenues to comprehend the interplay between molecular genetic characteristics and neuroplasticity mechanisms underpinning FM.(AU)

Association between Catastrophizing, Subjective Symptoms, Upper Extremity Function, and Disability in Cancer Patients with Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Objective: We investigated the association between catastrophizing with regard to numbness and pain, subjective symptoms, upper extremity function, and disability in cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Method: We evaluated catastrophizing (pain catastrophizing scale [PCS] total score, rumination, helplessness, magnification), subjective symptoms of numbness and pain, upper extremity function, and disability in patients with hematological malignancy and gastrointestinal cancer who developed upper extremity CIPN. We calculated the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient to determine the strength of the association. Result: A significant association was observed between catastrophizing and disability; however, upper extremity function was not significantly association with catastrophizing. Based on the PCS subscale scores, only rumination was significantly association with subjective symptoms. Conclusion: Functional assessment and approaches may not be sufficient to improve the activities of daily living in cancer patients with upper extremity CIPN, and assessment and approaches to cognitive aspects, such as catastrophizing, should also be considered.

Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder / 우울ㆍ조울병

The purpose of this study was to investigate the specific cognitive emotion regulation strategies affecting the development and maintenance of post-traumatic stress symptoms by reviewing the related literature. A literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, DBPia, and RISS for investigating the relationship between cognitive emotion regulation strategies and post-traumatic stress symptoms in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or in those who had experienced severe trauma. Catastrophizing and rumination were associated with more post-traumatic stress symptoms and higher psychological distress. On the other hand, positive reappraisal, refocus on planning, and acceptance were associated with fewer post-traumatic stress symptoms and lower psychological distress. We propose that catastrophizing and rumination contribute to both the development and maintenance of post-traumatic stress symptoms. Therefore, in the prevention and treatment of PTSD symptoms, catastrophizing and rumination need to be targeted and positive reappraisal needs to be increased.

Evaluación del catastrofismo en pacientes con lumbalgia crónica en la unidad de dolor de un hospital universitario / Evaluation of pain catastrophizing in chronic back pain patientsof a university hospital pain unit

El catastrofismo es la percepción mental, negativa y exagerada, respecto a la experiencia del dolor, tanto real como anticipada. Comprende tres dimensiones: rumiación, magnificación y desesperanza. Sus consecuencias son: dolor más intenso, mayor consumo de analgésicos, disminución de las actividades diarias, incapacidad laboral, mayor sensibilidad al dolor, interferencia en el uso de estrategias de afrontamiento y peor pronóstico general. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el nivel de catastrofismo ante el dolor en pacientes con lumbalgia crónica que consultan en nuestro hospital universitario, utilizando la escala de catastrofismo del dolor en su versión en español. La muestra fue de 69 pacientes, se encontró una correlación lineal positiva entre nivel total de catastrofismo y sus tres dimensiones con la intensidad del dolor y la interferencia que éste produce sobre las actividades diarias, medidas a través del inventario abreviado del dolor. Los niveles de catastrofismo encontrados fueron altos, mayores a 30, la intensidad del dolor y su interferencia fueron elevados (mayor de 6). Este es el primer estudio de evaluación del catastrofismo en pacientes con dolor crónico en nuestro país. Los niveles de catastrofismo encontrados obligan a ofrecer en nuestra unidad medidas de intervención que logren reducirlo, de modo de lograr mejores resultados de los tratamientos farmacológicos o intervencionistas que se indican en los pacientes con lumbalgia crónica.

Pain catastrophizing is a cognitive state characterized by a negative and exaggerated perception about actual or anticipating pain. It is conformed for three factors: rumiation, magnification and helplessness. Its consequences in pain perception are increase in pain intensity and analgesic consumption, interference in daily and labor activities, hiperalgesia, interference in coping strategies and general poor clinical prognosis of pain states. The aim of this study was to evaluate pain catastrophizing in chronic back pain outpatients in a university hospital pain unit, utilizing the spanish version of the pain catastrophizing scale. Sixty-nine patients with chronic back pain with or without lumbosacral radicular pain were included. A positive lineal correlation between total catastrophism and its three factors with pain intensity and pain daily activities interference. Pain intensity and interference evaluated by the brief pain Inventory were high (more than 6) and also was the total catastrophism (more than 30). This is the first study in our country about pain catastrophizing in chronic pain patients. The high levels of catastrophism observed in this study must be treated with specific psychological interventions, in order to reduce them in such a way that pharmacological and interventional pain treatments results could be improved.

The importance of psychological testing in predicting the effectiveness of lumbar spine surgery / A importância do teste psicológico na previsão da eficácia da cirurgia da coluna lombar / La importancia de las pruebas psicológicas en la predicción de la efectividad de la cirugía de la columna lumbar

ABSTRACT Objective: The result of treatment of patients with degenerative disc diseases is partly determined by the psychological characteristics of the patients. The aim of this study was to examine the correlations between the psychological scales scores in patients with degenerative lumbar disc diseases and the effectiveness of surgical treatment. Methods: The efficacy of the operation and patients' satisfaction were compared with the preoperative psychological characteristics, according to the questionnaires and scales (BBQ Symonds, Zung Scale, FABQ, PCI, BBQ Catastrophization). Results: In patients with neurogenic intermittent claudication syndrome without significant pain, the operative treatment depended significantly on the value of the BBQ Symonds scale (p = 0.016). In patients with severe radicular pain in the lower extremity, the effectiveness of the operation depended significantly on the value of the subscale "protection" of the PCI questionnaire (p = 0.04), the ODI index filled out before the operation (p = 0.0). In patients with lumbar syndrome, the effectiveness of operation depended significantly on the value of the PCI questionnaire as a whole (p = 0.042) and its subscores "rest" (p = 0.028), the index of the Oswestry filled out before the operation (p = 0.035). Conclusion: The effectiveness of the operation of degenerative lumbar disc diseases is associated with the results of preoperative psychological testing. It has been established that the BBQ Symonds scale, PCI protection and rest subscales, and the ODI questionnaire are the most significant; these psychological scales have the power to predict the effectiveness of surgical treatment. Level of Evidence II; Therapeutic Study - Investigating the Results of Treatment.

RESUMO Objetivo: O resultado no tratamento de pacientes com doenças degenerativas do disco é parcialmente determinado pelas características psicológicas dos pacientes. O objetivo do estudo foi examinar as correlações entre as escalas de índice psicológico em pacientes com doenças degenerativas do disco lombar e a eficácia do tratamento cirúrgico. Métodos: A eficácia da operação e a satisfação dos pacientes foram comparadas com as características psicológicas pré-operatórias, de acordo com os questionários e escalas (BBQ Symods, Zung Scale, FABQ, PCI, Catastrofización de BBQ). Resultados: Em pacientes com a síndrome de claudicação neurogênica intermitente sem dor significativa, o tratamento cirúrgico dependeu significativamente do valor da escala BBQ Symods (p = 0,016). Em pacientes com dor radicular grave no membro inferior, a eficácia da operação dependeu significativamente do valor da "proteção" da subescala do questionário de ICP (p = 0,04), preenchido antes da operação pelo índice ODI (p = 0,0). Nos pacientes com síndrome lombar, a eficácia da operação dependia significativamente do valor do questionário PCI como um todo (p = 0,042) e seu subscore "repouso" (p = 0,028) e o índice do Oswestry preenchido antes da operação (p = 0,035). Conclusão: A efetividade do funcionamento das doenças degenerativas do disco lombar está associada aos resultados dos testes psicológicos pré-operatórios. Foi estabelecido que a escala BBQ Symods, subescalas de proteção e descanso de PCI e o questionário de ODI são mais significativos; essas escalas psicológicas têm poder preditivo em relação à eficácia do tratamento cirúrgico. Nível de Evidência II; Estudo Terapêutico - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Objetivo: El resultado del tratamiento de pacientes con enfermedades degenerativas del disco está parcialmente determinado por las características psicológicas de los pacientes. El objetivo del estudio fue examinar las correlaciones entre las escalas de índice psicológico en pacientes con enfermedades degenerativas del disco lumbar y la efectividad del tratamiento quirúrgico. Métodos: Se comparó la eficacia de la operación y la satisfacción de los pacientes con las características psicológicas preoperatorias según los cuestionarios y escalas (BBQ Symonds, Zung Scale, FABQ, PCI, Catastrofización de BBQ). Resultados: En pacientes con síndrome de claudicación neurogénica intermitente sin dolor significativo, el tratamiento quirúrgico dependió significativamente del valor de la escala BBQ Symonds (p = 0,016). En pacientes con dolor radicular severo en la extremidad inferior, la efectividad de la operación dependió significativamente del valor de la subescala "protección" del cuestionario PCI (p = 0,04), el índice ODI llenado antes de la operación (p = 0,0). En pacientes con síndrome lumbar, la efectividad de la operación dependió significativamente del valor del cuestionario PCI como un todo (p = 0,042) y sus subcategorías "reposo" (p = 0,028), el índice de Oswestry llenado antes de la operación (p = 0,035). Conclusión: La efectividad de la operación de las enfermedades degenerativas del disco lumbar se asocia con los resultados de las pruebas psicológicas preoperatorias. Se ha establecido que la escala de BBQ Symonds, las subescalas de protección y reposo PCI y el cuestionario ODI son los más significativos; estas escalas psicológicas tienen poder predictivo en relación con la efectividad del tratamiento quirúrgico. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudio Terapéutico - Investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Distinct aspects of pain catastrophizing according to chronic pain syndromes

Introduction: Catastrophizing is the tendency to magnify the threat value of pain and has been associated with measures of physical and psychological disability among individuals with several pain conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate whether pain catastrophizing is differentially associated with distinct pain syndromes. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study including 158 patients (40 with fibromyalgia, 25 with myofascial pain syndrome, 33 with chronic tensional type headache, 33 with endometriosis, and 27 with knee osteoarthritis) and 93 healthy subjects. The recruitment procedure occurred in concurrence with randomized controlled trials. Participants answered the following instruments: Brazilian Portuguese Pain-Catastrophizing Scale, Beck Depression Inventory II, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, visual analogue scale for pain, as well as a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results: For the total pain catastrophizing score, patients with endometriosis had significantly more catastrophizing thoughts than knee osteoarthritis (p < 0.05). Healthy participants had lower scores than any clinical group. More interestingly were the dimensions of pain catastrophizing, which showed significant differences in more than two groups, especially magnification scores, since these scores were able to discriminate, in a particular way, the majority of clinical samples from each other. We also observed differences between rumination, magnification and helplessness scores in all groups, suggesting that the characteristics of pain catastrophizing are distinct according to the pain disorder. Conclusions: The results suggest that dimensions of pain catastrophizing differ between pain syndromes. Therefore, it is important that researchers and clinicians focus on cognitive and emotional aspects of pain perception to have more successful interventions.

Neuroticism and pain catastrophizing aggravate response to pain in healthy adults: an experimental study

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between neuroticism, pain catastrophizing, and experimentally induced pain threshold and pain tolerance in a healthy adult sample from two regions of the country of Croatia: the island of Korcula and city of Split. METHODS: A total of 1,322 participants were enrolled from the Island of Korcula (n = 824) and the city of Split (n = 498). Participants completed a self-reported personality measure Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) and pain catastrophizing questionnaire Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), followed by a mechanical pain pressure threshold and tolerance test. We have explored the mediating role of catastrophizing in the relationship between neuroticism and pain intensity. RESULTS: The results showed that pain catastrophizing partially mediated the relationship between neuroticism and pain intensity, suggesting the importance of pain catastrophizing in increasing vulnerability to pain. The results also indicated gender-related differences, marked by the higher pain threshold and tolerance in men. CONCLUSIONS: This study adds to the understanding of the complex interplay between personality and pain, by providing a better understanding of such mechanisms in healthy adults.

Immediate effects of joint mobilization compared to sham and control intervention for pain intensity and disability in chronic low back pain patients: randomized controlled clinical trial / Efeitos imediatos da mobilização articular em relação à intervenção sham e controle na intensidade de dor e incapacidade em pacientes com dor lombar crônica: ensaio clínico aleatorizado controlado

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A possibility to treat chronic low back pain is joint mobilization. There is moderate literature evidence of the effects of mobilization on chronic low back pain; however, few studies have used sham mobilization as comparison group. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of back joint mobilization on the following outcomes: pain intensity and incapacity in chronic low back pain patients. METHODS: Participated in the study 60 individuals of both genders with the following eligibility criteria: aged between 18 and 55 years with chronic nonspecific low back pain for at least three months. Selected volunteers were randomly distributed in three groups of 20 individuals: joint mobilization group MG: 39.15±11.45 years, sham mobilization group SG: 37.10±12.57 years, and control group CG: 30.60±8.97. All groups were evaluated by the same blind investigator and have answered to the following tools pre-and immediately after the ten intervention sessions: pain numeric scale to evaluate pain intensity, Oswestry Disability Index to evaluate low back pain-related incapacity and Catastrophic Thoughts Scale to evaluate pain-related catastrophizing. RESULTS: There were significant pre-and post-treatment differences in pain intensity for MG (p<0.001) and SG (p<0.001). There has been significant difference in mean pain intensity value in MG as compared to CG (-2.55). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest sham effect related to the application of mobilization in chronic low back pain patients.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Uma das possibilidades de tratamento da dor lombar crônica são as mobilizações articulares. Há evidência moderada na literatura sobre os efeitos de mobilizações para dor lombar crônica, entretanto, poucos estudos têm utilizado mobilizações-sham como grupo de comparação. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da mobilização articular lombar sobre os seguintes desfechos: intensidade da dor e incapacidade em pacientes com dor lombar crônica. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 60 indivíduos de ambos os sexos com os seguintes critérios de elegibilidade: idade entre 18 e 55 anos, que apresentassem dor lombar crônica não específica há pelo menos três meses. Os voluntários selecionados foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos de 20 indivíduos: grupo mobilização articular GM: 39,15±11,45 anos, grupo mobilização sham GS: 37,10±12,57 anos e grupo controle GC: 30,60±8,97 anos. Todos os grupos foram avaliados por um mesmo pesquisador encoberto e responderam os seguintes instrumentos pré e imediatamente após as 10 sessões de intervenção: escala numérica de dor para avaliação da intensidade da dor, Oswestry Disability Index para avaliação da incapacidade relacionada à dor lombar e Escala de Pensamentos Catastróficos para avaliação da catastrofização relacionada à dor. RESULTADOS: Foram observadas diferenças significativas pré e pós-tratamento para a variável de intensidade de dor nos GM (p<0,001) e GS (p<0,001). Na comparação entre os grupos de intervenção, foi verificada diferença significativa no valor médio de intensidade de dor entre GM versus GC (-2,55). CONCLUSÃO: Os presentes resultados sugerem efeito sham relacionado à aplicação de mobilizações em pacientes com dor lombar crônica.

Psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale for acute low back pain / Propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira da Escala de Catastrofização da Dor para dor lombar aguda

Measurement instruments of pain catastrophizing for middle-aged and elderly individuals are needed to understand its impact on low back pain. The goals were to cross-culturally adapt the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, assess the construct validity through Rasch analysis, and verify reliability and convergent validity of pain catastrophizing with psychosocial factors. 131 individuals aged 55 years and older with acute low back pain were interviewed . The intra-rater reliability was Kp = 0.80 and interrater Kp = 0.75. The Rasch analysis found adequate reliability coefficients (0.95 for items and 0.90 for individuals ). The separation index for the elderly was 2.95 and 4.59 items. Of the 13 items, one did not fit the model, which was justified in the sample evaluated. The pain catastrophizing correlated with most psychosocial factors. The instrument proved to be clinically useful. Subsequent studies should carry out the same analysis in different populations.

Instrumentos de medida da catastrofização da dor para indivíduos de meia-idade e idosos são necessários para compreensão do impacto na dor lombar nessa população. Os objetivos foram adaptar transculturalmente a Escala de Catastrofização da Dor, avaliar a validade de construto pela análise Rasch, verificar a confiabilidade e a validade convergente da catastrofização da dor com fatores psicossociais. Participaram 131 indivíduos comunitários com 55 anos e mais com dor lombar aguda. A confiabilidade intra-examinadores foi de Kp = 0,80 e inter-examinadores Kp = 0,75. A análise Rasch, detectou adequados coeficientes de confiabilidade (0,95 para itens e 0,90 para indivíduos). O índice de separação dos idosos foi de 2,95 e dos itens 4,59. Dos 13 itens, um não se enquadrou no modelo, o que se justificou na amostra avaliada. A catastrofização da dor se correlacionou com a maioria dos fatores psicossociais. O instrumento mostrou-se clinicamente útil. Estudos subsequentes devem proceder às mesmas análises em diferentes populações.