Perceiving pain alters body perception: the effects of acute pain on body image and sensory testing

This study investigated the effects of experimentally induced acute pain on body image and sensory testing. A total of 91 pain-free participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: injection (pain), sham injection, or control. Measures were taken 3 times in each group: at baseline, during the testing phase, and once the pain had subsided. The study included both sensory testing and body image measures. Participants in the injection group showed significant increases in body image distortion during the testing phase ( P < 0.001, η 2 = 0.19), alongside larger area of pain distribution ( P < 0.001, η 2 = 0.40) and greater size distortion of the lower back ( P < 0.001, η 2 = 0.14) compared with the other groups. A drawing task further revealed that the painful body part was perceived as larger ( P = 0.01, η 2 = 0.14), particularly on the right side. Body esteem indicated a subtle but significant decrease in body satisfaction during pain ( P = 0.05, η 2 = 0.06). Sensory testing measures remained unchanged, suggesting intact sensory processing. Correlation analyses showed positive associations between Polish version of the Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire scores and perceived pain area, pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and general fear. These findings highlight the selective influence of acute pain on body image, suggesting that perceptual and emotional factors-driven by higher-order mechanisms play a central role in pain-related body distortions rather than changes in basic sensory processing.