Influence of central aspects of pain on self-management in people with chronic low back pain.

OBJECTIVE

This observational study investigated whether central aspects of pain are associated with self-management domains in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) undertaking a pain management program.

METHODS

Individuals with CLBP provided pain sensitivity and self-management data at baseline (n = 97) and 3-months (n = 87). Pressure pain detection threshold (PPT) at the forearm, temporal summation (TS) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM), Widespread Pain Index (WPI), and a Central Aspects of Pain factor (CAPf) were considered as central aspects of pain. Self-management was measured using the 8 domains of the Health Education Impact Questionnaire, as well as Pain Self Efficacy and Health Care Utilisation questionnaires.

RESULTS

PPT, CPM, WPI and CAPf predicted worse performance in several self-management domains at 3-months (r = 0.21 to 0.54, p < 0.05 overall). In multivariable regression models (adjusted for baseline scores of self-management, depression, catastrophization, pain and fatigue) low PPT, high TS, and high CAPf at baseline predicted poorer self-management at 3 months (R2 =0.14 to 0.52, β = -0.37 to 0.35, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Central aspects of pain are associated with impaired self-management, over and above effects of pain intensity, fatigue, depression and catastrophizing.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Treatments that target central aspects of pain might help improve self-management in people with CLBP.