Correlation between the perceived pain intensity and psychophysical tests in patients with chronic pain

Abstract

Introduction. Pain perception varies due to many factors. Quantitative sensory testing is a panel of diagnostic tests used to assess somatosensory function. The aim of the study was to determine how psychophysical variables are related to the perceived pain intensity in patients with chronic pain. Material and Methods. The cross-sectional study included 88 subjects (average age 51.3 ? 9.4 years, 76 (86.4%) women) diagnosed with chronic pain syndrome and fibromyalgia or chronic neuropathic pain associated with lumbosacral radiculopathy. Current and average pain intensities in the past 4 weeks were rated on a numerical rating scale. Quantitative sensory testing included pressure pain thresholds, heat pain thresholds, and cold pain thresholds. Patients filled out the Fear Avoidance Component Scale, a questionnaire that examines the fear avoidance phenomenon. Results. The highest correlations were found between the Fear Avoidance Component Scale scores and current and average pain intensity (r = 0.438 and r = 0.253, respectively); between pain duration and current and average pain intensity in the past 4 weeks (r = 0.340 and r = 0.308, respectively). Moderate and negative correlations were found between pressure pain thresholds and current and average pain intensity (r = - 0.233 and r = -0.300, respectively). Conclusion. Low to moderate, significant positive correlations were found between fear-avoidance and pain intensity. Significant but low negative correlations were found between pressure pain threshold and current pain intensity, as well as between pressure pain threshold and average pain intensity.