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Macgregor C, Blane DN, Tulle E, Campbell CL, Barber RJ, Hill O-Connor C, Seenan C. An ecosystem of accepting life with chronic pain: A meta-ethnography. Br J Pain 2024; 18:365-381. [PMID: 39092212 PMCID: PMC11289906 DOI: 10.1177/20494637241250271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic pain is a highly prevalent long-term condition, experienced unequally, impacting both the individual living with pain, and wider society. 'Acceptance' of chronic pain is relevant to improved consultations in pain care, and navigating an approach towards evidence-based, long-term management and associated improvements in health. However, the concept proves difficult to measure, and primary qualitative studies of lived experiences show complexity related to our socio-cultural-political worlds, healthcare experiences, and difficulties with language and meaning. We framed acceptance of chronic pain as socially constructed and aimed to conceptualise the lived experiences of acceptance of chronic pain in adults. Methods We conducted a systematic search and screening process, followed by qualitative, interpretive, literature synthesis using Meta-ethnography. We included qualitative studies using chronic pain as the primary condition, where the study included an aim to research the acceptance concept. We conducted each stage of the synthesis with co-researchers of differing disciplinary backgrounds, and with lived experiences of chronic pain. Findings We included 10 qualitative studies from Canada, Sweden, The Netherlands, Ireland, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our 'lines of argument' include a fluid and continuous journey with fluctuating states of acceptance; language and meaning of acceptance and chronic pain, a challenge to identity in a capitalist, ableist society and the limits to individualism; a caring, supportive and coherent system. The conceptual framework of the meta-ethnography is represented by a rosebush with interconnected branches, holding both roses and thorns, such is the nature of accepting life with chronic pain. Conclusion Our findings broaden conceptualisation of 'acceptance of chronic pain' beyond an individual factor, to a fluid and continuous journey, interconnected with our socio-cultural-political worlds; an ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Macgregor
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- NHS Lanarkshire, Chronic Pain Service, Coatbridge, UK
| | - David N Blane
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Emmanuelle Tulle
- Department of Social Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Claire L Campbell
- NHS Fife, Pain Management Service, Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline, UK
| | - Ruth J Barber
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- NHS Lanarkshire, Chronic Pain Service, Coatbridge, UK
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Social Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- NHS Fife, Pain Management Service, Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline, UK
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Christopher Seenan
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
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Dalechek DE, Caes L, McIntosh G, Whittaker AC. Anxiety, history of childhood adversity, and experiencing chronic pain in adulthood: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Eur J Pain 2024; 28:867-885. [PMID: 38189218 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When considering factors that may impact chronic pain experiences in adulthood, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and anxiety should be considered. The literature on the associations between these 3 variables remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To summarize the existing literature on the relationship between ACEs and anxiety on chronic pain experience in adults, and examine the association between ACEs and anxiety. METHODS A systematic literature review (SLR) and meta-analysis was used to examine adults (≥18) with a reported history of ACEs, self-reported and/or diagnosed anxiety, and chronic pain. The SLR included quality appraisal according to the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. RESULTS The narrative summary indicated a significant association between ACEs, anxiety, and chronic pain experiences in adults. Of 52 selected studies, 79% reported a moderate-strong association. For ACE prevalence, the majority reported experiencing sexual abuse (50% [SD 16.01]), followed by physical abuse (46% [SD 20.7]). Other ACEs included emotional abuse (33% [SD 17.17]), emotional neglect (25% [SD 21.02]), and physical neglect (23% [SD 22.44]). Meta-analyses showed moderate associations between anxiety and chronic pain (r = 0.30; 95% CI = [0.14, 0.45], p < 0.01) and between ACEs and anxiety (r = 0.26; 95% CI = [0.15, 0.36], p < 0.01), and that participants who experienced ACEs are around twice as likely to present chronic pain during adulthood (OR = 1.99; 95% CI = [1.53, 2.60], p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The results of the SLR and meta-analysis indicated that ACEs and anxiety influence chronic pain experience in adults. Given the relationship between ACEs and anxiety, there would be value in exploring this as a potential mediator in future studies. SIGNIFICANCE There was an unmet need to summarize the existing literature on the relationship between ACEs and anxiety on chronic pain experience in adults and the association between ACEs and anxiety. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that both ACEs and anxiety influenced chronic pain experience in adults and helped to inform the diverse literature on these potential relationships to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle E Dalechek
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Line Caes
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Gwenne McIntosh
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Anna C Whittaker
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
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Karst M. Overview: Chronic Pain and Cannabis-Based Medicines. PHARMACOPSYCHIATRY 2024; 57:152-159. [PMID: 38198809 PMCID: PMC11076105 DOI: 10.1055/a-2231-6630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Chronic pain is primarily conceptualized as a disease in its own right when it is associated with emotional distress and functional impairment. Pathophysiologically, dysfunction of the cortico-mesolimbic connectome is of major importance, with overlapping signals in the nociceptive and stress systems. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the central processing of nociceptive signals and regulates the central stress response. Clinically, there is moderate evidence that cannabis-based medicines (CBM) can contribute to a significant reduction in pain, especially the associated pain affect, and improvement in physical function and sleep quality in a proportion of patients with chronic pain. The analgesic effect appears to be largely independent of the cause of pain. In this context, CBM preferentially regulates stress-associated pain processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Karst
- Anesthesiology, Pain Clinic, Hannover Medical School, Hannover,
Germany
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Sturgeon JA, Zubieta C, Kaplan CM, Pierce J, Arewasikporn A, Slepian PM, Hassett AL, Trost Z. Broadening the Scope of Resilience in Chronic Pain: Methods, Social Context, and Development. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2024; 26:112-123. [PMID: 38270842 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-024-01133-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW A wellspring of new research has offered varying models of resilience in chronic pain populations; however, resilience is a multifaceted and occasionally nebulous construct. The current review explores definitional and methodological issues in existing observational and clinical studies and offers new directions for future studies of pain resilience. RECENT FINDINGS Definitions of pain resilience have historically relied heavily upon self-report and from relatively narrow scientific domains (e.g., positive psychology) and in narrow demographic groups (i.e., Caucasian, affluent, or highly educated adults). Meta-analytic and systematic reviews have noted moderate overall quality of resilience-focused assessment and treatment in chronic pain, which may be attributable to these narrow definitions. Integration of research from affiliated fields (developmental models, neuroimaging, research on historically underrepresented groups, trauma psychology) has the potential to enrich current models of pain resilience and ultimately improve the empirical and clinical utility of resilience models in chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Sturgeon
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Caroline Zubieta
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Chelsea M Kaplan
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jennifer Pierce
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Anne Arewasikporn
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - P Maxwell Slepian
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, CA, USA
| | - Afton L Hassett
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zina Trost
- Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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Hodges JS, DeAngelis BN, Borodovsky J, Budney A, al'Absi M. Impact of Early-Life Adversity on Cannabis Use: Exploring the Mediating and Moderating Effects of Chronic Pain. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024. [PMID: 38498016 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Although research suggests that early-life adversity (ELA) and cannabis use are linked, researchers have not established factors that mediate or modify this relationship. Identifying such factors could help in developing targeted interventions. We explored chronic pain as a potential mediator or moderator of this relationship. Methods: Using an online study, we collected cross-sectional data about ELA, cannabis use, and chronic pain to test whether ELA (adverse childhood experiences total score) is associated with cannabis use, and to examine pain as a potential mediator or moderator. Cannabis use was examined two ways: times used per day, and categorized as non-, some, or regular use. Chronic pain was measured as present/absent and as the number of painful body locations (0-8). Analyses used linear and multinomial regression. Results: ELA, chronic pain, and cannabis use were common among respondents. ELA was strongly associated with both measures of cannabis use. The number of painful body locations modestly mediated the association of ELA with cannabis use, reducing the magnitude of regression coefficients by about 1/7. The number of painful body locations modified the association between ELA and cannabis use (p≤0.006), while chronic pain presence/absence (a less-informative measure) had only a nonsignificant modification effect (p≥0.10). When either ELA or pain was high, the other was not associated with cannabis use; when either ELA or pain was low, more painful locations or higher ELA (respectively) was associated with more intense cannabis use. Conclusion: These exploratory findings suggest the importance of ELA and chronic pain as factors contributing to cannabis use, and of accounting for these factors in developing treatment and prevention strategies addressing cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Hodges
- Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Briana N DeAngelis
- Department of Family Medicine and BioBehavioral Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jacob Borodovsky
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Alan Budney
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Mustafa al'Absi
- Department of Family Medicine and BioBehavioral Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
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Hudson M, Johnson MI. Hidden family rules: perspective on a dysfunctional paternalistic system and the persistence of pain. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1303853. [PMID: 38162891 PMCID: PMC10755869 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1303853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
This article explores how paternalistic control and power reside within the family system and how this may influence pain and its persistence. Drawing upon clinical case studies and existing literature, this exploration emphasises the role of paternal dysfunction in creating emotional memory images and delves into how this may influence the chronification and treatment resistance of pain (i.e., making pain "sticky"). We argue that a dysfunctional paternalistic family system, often characterised by authoritarian dynamics, emotional neglect, and abuse, results in adverse experiences and emotional memory images that create a fertile ground for the entrenchment and propagation of psychosomatic symptoms, including pain. Further, the paper emphasizes the potential intergenerational effects of such a scenario, where inherited "Family Rules" drive maladaptive coping mechanisms, which contribute to the persistence of psychological and physiological distress across generations. Understanding these complexities offers new perspectives on treating psychological disorders and their physiological ramifications. It also highlights the urgency of addressing dysfunctional familial dynamics in psychotherapeutic interventions for both immediate and long-term psychophysiological health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Hudson
- Centre for Pain Research, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Mind Help Limited, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Mark I. Johnson
- Centre for Pain Research, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
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