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A Systematic Review of Biological Mechanisms and Chronic Pain Outcomes During Stress Reduction Interventions

Katherine M Bernier Carney1, Erin E Young2, Jessica W Guite3

  • 1College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

Biological Research for Nursing
|March 17, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Nonpharmacologic stress reduction interventions show promise for chronic pain, but biological links remain unclear. More research is needed to understand how these methods impact pain through specific biomarkers.

Area of Science:

  • Integrative medicine
  • Pain management
  • Psychoneuroimmunology

Background:

  • Nonpharmacologic stress reduction interventions offer potential for altering chronic pain trajectories.
  • The underlying biological mechanisms of these interventions are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify biological mechanisms or biomarkers measured in studies of nonpharmacologic stress reduction for chronic pain (2012-2018).
  • To evaluate evidence linking these interventions to changes in pain outcomes and/or biomarkers.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies.
  • Included studies focused on chronic pain conditions, nonpharmacologic stress reduction, pain outcomes, and biomarker measurement.
  • Searched PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and SCOPUS databases.

Main Results:

  • Thirteen articles were included, covering mindfulness-based stress reduction, physical exercise, manual therapies, and biofeedback.
  • Biomarker assessment methods included biological samples, neurological function, and autonomic control.
  • Only three studies demonstrated a significant association between biomarkers and pain-related outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • The relationship between stress and pain is complex, with limited rigorous research on specific stress-related biological factors modulating pain.
  • Stress reduction interventions are valuable for managing chronic pain symptoms.
  • Greater consistency in study measures and design is required for robust evaluation of these interventions.
Keywords:
biomarkerschronic painnonpharmacologic interventionpsychological stressstress reduction intervention

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