Reduction in Pain Inhibitory Modulation and Cognitive-Behavioral Changes in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

BackgroundRecent studies indicate that the assessment of conditioned pain modulation (CPM) responses and emotional factors can provide important information regarding chronification mechanisms, choices for more efficient therapeutic strategies, and clinical variables supporting a therapeutic prognosis. AimsTo investigate the impact of nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) on CPM and psychosocial factors in individuals with NSCLBP compared with healthy controls. DesignCase-control study. MethodsEighteen patients with NSCLBP and 18 healthy controls were recruited for this study. Pain intensity and affective-emotional aspects of pain, functional disability, kinesiophobia, depression, anxiety, and catastrophizing pain were obtained using a questionnaire. A CPM protocol was established to assess the functioning of the descending inhibitory system, with a cold pressor test as a conditioning stimulus and pressure pain threshold as a test stimulus. The maximal isometric strength of the trunk extensors also was evaluated. ResultsHealthy participants demonstrated a greater CPM response than those with NSCLBP. Patients with NSCLBP exhibited significantly lower pressure pain threshold than healthy subjects. Moreover, patients with NSCLBP presented with a considerable exacerbation of cognitive-behavioral changes. NSCLBP patients showed diminished maximal isometric strength of the trunk extensor compared to healthy subjects. ConclusionsThe endogenous pain inhibition system is reduced in patients with NSCLBP, with significant cognitive-behavioral changes indicated by high levels of anxiety and moderate pain intensity. SettingClinical School of Physical Therapy of the Federal University of Delta of Parnaíba, Piauí - Brazil. Participants/Subjects36 subjects with and without NSCLBP.