Experimentally induced low back pain influences brain networks activity

Purpose of this study was to answer the question whether the recognized patterns of brain activity are likely to change under the influence of experimentally induced low back pain (LBP), and also to determine the functional networks of the brain engaged in this process. Twenty healthy subjects (8 women) participated. An experimental design was applied with repeated measurements of the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal from the brain during two different voluntary contractions of the abdominal muscles without and with experimentally induced LBP. Brain areas showing significant differences in activity were identified and ascribed to the three functional neuronal brain networks: default mode network (DMN), pain matrix (PM), and sensorimotor (SM) areas. After implementation of the experimental painful stimulus the overall level of brain activity appears to be higher. No higher brain deactivations are seen in painful conditions and no higher activations in pain-free conditions. During isolated-type of muscular contraction a slight tendency to DMN deactivation may be observed.