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Learned control over spinal nociception in patients with chronic back pain
S Krafft1,2,3, H-D Göhmann4, J Sommer5
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.
European Journal of Pain (London, England)
|May 26, 2017
Summary
Individuals with chronic back pain can learn to control pain signals using RIII feedback training. This method enhances descending pain inhibition, offering a new approach for pain management.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Descending pain inhibition modulates spinal nociception and is impaired in chronic pain.
- Cognitive-emotional strategies can influence pain inhibition.
- The nociceptive flexor reflex (RIII reflex) quantifies spinal nociception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if chronic back pain patients can modulate descending pain inhibition using RIII reflex feedback.
- To assess the efficacy of RIII feedback training in improving descending pain inhibition in chronic back pain.
Main Methods:
- 33 chronic back pain patients received true or sham RIII feedback.
- 15 healthy controls received true RIII feedback.
- RIII reflex size and conditioned pain modulation were measured.
Main Results:
- All groups suppressed RIII reflex, with controls showing the largest suppression.
- Chronic back pain patients receiving true RIII feedback improved descending pain inhibition.
- Conditioned pain modulation significantly improved in the true feedback group.
Conclusions:
- Chronic back pain patients can successfully reduce spinal nociception with RIII feedback.
- RIII feedback training enhances descending pain inhibition in individuals with chronic back pain.
- This feedback method shows potential for managing chronic pain.
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