Predictors of Pain Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Co-morbid with Depression: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Predictors of treatment outcome in cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic pain: a systematic review

PURPOSE

The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise the research identifying possible influences on CBT outcomes in chronic pain. Variations in the effectiveness of psychological therapies, such as CBT, in chronic pain have led to research investigating predictors of improved treatment outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified randomised controlled and cohort studies of CBT for chronic pain, published between 1974 to 2nd August 2023, which identified predictors of CBT outcomes.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies were included in the review. Baseline sociodemographic, physical and emotional factors that influence the outcomes of CBT for chronic pain were identified. The most commonly reported predictors of CBT outcome, with medium to large effect sizes, were anxiety, depression and negative cognitions about pain and coping. Sociodemographic predictors of outcomes demonstrated small effects and lacked replicability.

CONCLUSIONS

There was variability across study designs, CBT delivery and outcomes measures. Further research is needed in chronic pain to identify the predictive factors which influence treatment outcomes, and consistency across study designs and outcome variables is needed to reduce heterogeneity.

Chronic pain-mental health comorbidity and excess prevalence of health risk behaviours: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Chronic musculoskeletal pain and anxiety/depression are significant public health problems. We hypothesised that adults with both conditions constitute a group at especially high risk of future cardiovascular health outcomes.

AIM

To determine whether having comorbid chronic musculoskeletal pain and anxiety/depression is associated with the excess prevalence of selected known cardiovascular health risk behaviours.

METHOD

A cross-sectional survey of adults aged 35+ years randomly sampled from 26 GP practice registers in West Midlands, England. Respondents were classified into four groups based on self-reported presence/absence of chronic musculoskeletal pain (pain present on most days for six months) and anxiety or depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score 11+). Standardised binomial models were used to estimate standardised prevalence ratios and prevalence differences between the four groups in self-reported obesity, tobacco smoking, physical inactivity, and unhealthy alcohol consumption after controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation, employment status and educational attainment. The excess prevalence of each risk factor in the group with chronic musculoskeletal pain-anxiety/depression comorbidity was estimated.

FINDINGS

Totally, 14 519 respondents were included, of whom 1329 (9%) reported comorbid chronic musculoskeletal pain-anxiety/depression, 3612 (25%) chronic musculoskeletal pain only, 964 (7%) anxiety or depression only, and 8614 (59%) neither. Those with comorbid chronic musculoskeletal pain-anxiety/depression had the highest crude prevalence of obesity (41%), smoking (16%) and physical inactivity (83%) but the lowest for unhealthy alcohol consumption (18%). After controlling for covariates, the standardised prevalence ratios and differences for the comorbid group compared with those with neither chronic musculoskeletal pain nor anxiety/depression were as follows: current smoking [1.86 (95% CI 1.58, 2.18); 6.8%], obesity [1.93 (1.76, 2.10); 18.9%], physical inactivity [1.21 (1.17, 1.24); 14.3%] and unhealthy alcohol consumption [0.81 (0.71, 0.92); -5.0%]. The standardised prevalences of smoking and obesity in the comorbid group exceeded those expected from simple additive interaction.

Implications of Preoperative Depression for Lumbar Spine Surgery Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Importance

Comorbid depression is common among patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease. Although a well-researched topic, the evidence of the role of depression in spine surgery outcomes remains inconclusive.

Objective

To investigate the association between preoperative depression and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after lumbar spine surgery.

Data Sources

A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, Scopus, PsychInfo, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed from database inception to September 14, 2023.

Study Selection

Included studies involved adults undergoing lumbar spine surgery and compared PROMs in patients with vs those without depression. Studies evaluating the correlation between preoperative depression and disease severity were also included.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

All data were independently extracted by 2 authors and independently verified by a third author. Study quality was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to synthesize data, and I2 was used to assess heterogeneity. Metaregression was performed to identify factors explaining the heterogeneity.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the standardized mean difference (SMD) of change from preoperative baseline to postoperative follow-up in PROMs of disability, pain, and physical function for patients with vs without depression. Secondary outcomes were preoperative and postoperative differences in absolute disease severity for these 2 patient populations.

Results

Of the 8459 articles identified, 44 were included in the analysis. These studies involved 21 452 patients with a mean (SD) age of 57 (8) years and included 11 747 females (55%). Among these studies, the median (range) follow-up duration was 12 (6-120) months. The pooled estimates of disability, pain, and physical function showed that patients with depression experienced a greater magnitude of improvement compared with patients without depression, but this difference was not significant (SMD, 0.04 [95% CI, -0.02 to 0.10]; I2 = 75%; P = .21). Nonetheless, patients with depression presented with worse preoperative disease severity in disability, pain, and physical function (SMD, -0.52 [95% CI, -0.62 to -0.41]; I2 = 89%; P < .001), which remained worse postoperatively (SMD, -0.52 [95% CI, -0.75 to -0.28]; I2 = 98%; P < .001). There was no significant correlation between depression severity and the primary outcome. A multivariable metaregression analysis suggested that age, sex (male to female ratio), percentage of comorbidities, and follow-up attrition were significant sources of variance.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that, although patients with depression had worse disease severity both before and after surgery compared with patients without depression, they had significant potential for recovery in disability, pain, and physical function. Further investigations are needed to examine the association between spine-related disability and depression as well as the role of perioperative mental health treatments.

Chronic disease clusters are associated with prolonged, bothersome, and multisite musculoskeletal pain: a population-based study on Northern Finns

BACKGROUND

Chronic diseases often accumulate with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. However, less evidence is available on idiosyncratic patterns of chronic diseases and their relationships with the severity of MSK pain in general MSK pain populations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Questionnaire-based data on physician-diagnosed chronic diseases, MSK pain and its dimensions (frequency, intensity, bothersomeness, and the number of pain sites), and confounders were collected from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 at the age of 46. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was used to identify chronic disease clusters among individuals who reported any MSK pain within the previous year (n = 6105). The associations between chronic disease clusters, pain dimensions, and severe MSK pain, which was defined as prolonged (over 30 d within the preceding year), bothersome (Numerical Rating Scale >5), and multisite (two or more pain sites) pain, were analyzed using logistic regression and general linear regression models, adjusted for sex and educational level (n for the full sample = 4768).

RESULTS

LCA resulted in three clusters: Metabolic (10.8% of the full sample), Psychiatric (2.9%), and Relatively Healthy (86.3%). Compared to the Relatively Healthy cluster, the Metabolic and Psychiatric clusters had higher odds for daily pain and higher mean pain intensity, bothersomeness, and the number of pain sites. Similarly, the odds for severe MSK pain were up to 75% (95% confidence interval: 44%-113%) and 155% (81%-259%) higher in the Metabolic and Psychiatric clusters, respectively, after adjustments for sex and educational level.

CONCLUSIONS

Distinct patterns of chronic disease accumulation can be identified in the general MSK pain population. It seems that mental and metabolic health are at interplay with severe MSK pain. These findings suggest a potential need to screen for psychiatric and metabolic entities of health when treating working-aged people with MSK pain.Key messagesThis large study on middle-aged people with musculoskeletal pain aimed to examine the idiosyncratic patterns of chronic diseases and their relationships with the severity of musculoskeletal pain. Latent class cluster analysis identified three chronic disease clusters: Psychiatric, Metabolic, and Relatively Healthy. People with accumulated mental (Psychiatric cluster) or metabolic diseases (Metabolic cluster) experienced more severe pain than people who were relatively healthy (Relatively Healthy cluster). These findings suggest a potential need to screen for psychiatric and metabolic entities of health when treating working-aged people with MSK pain.

Back Pain Consortium (BACPAC): Protocol and Pilot Study Results for a Randomized Comparative-Effectiveness Trial of Antidepressants, Fear Avoidance Rehabilitation, or the Combination for Chronic Low Back Pain and Comorbid High Negative Affect

OBJECTIVE

Patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and comorbid depression or anxiety disorders are highly prevalent. Negative affect (NA) refers to a combination of negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Patients with CLBP with high NA have greater pain, worse treatment outcomes, and greater prescription opioid misuse. We present the protocol for SYNNAPTIC (SYNergizing Negative Affect & Pain Treatment In Chronic pain).

DESIGN

A randomized comparative-effectiveness study of antidepressants, fear-avoidance rehabilitation, or their combination in 300 patients with CLBP with high NA. In the antidepressant- or rehabilitation-only arms, SYNNAPTIC includes an adaptive design of re-randomization after 4 months for nonresponders.

SETTING

A multisite trial conducted in routine pain clinical treatment settings: pain clinics and physical and occupational therapy treatment centers.

METHODS

Inclusion criteria include CLBP with elevated depression and anxiety symptoms. Antidepressant and rehabilitation treatments follow validated and effective protocols for musculoskeletal pain in patients with high NA. Power and sample size are based on superior outcomes of combination therapy with these same treatments in a 71-subject 4-arm pilot randomized controlled trial.

CONCLUSIONS

SYNNAPTIC addresses the lack of evidence-based protocols for the treatment of the vulnerable subgroup of patients with CLBP and high NA. We hypothesize that combination therapy of antidepressants plus fear-avoidance rehabilitation will be more effective than each treatment alone.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04747314.

Early Drug Prescription Patterns as Predictors of Final Workers Compensation Claim Costs and Closure: An Updated Analysis on an Expanded Cohort

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to determine the associations of workers' compensation claim costs and return to work with drugs prescribed for early symptom management.

METHODS

Claims filed from 1998 to 2007 were followed for 10 years from the injury date. Drugs analyzed included gabapentin, pregabalin, antipsychotics, antidepressants, sedatives, benzodiazepines, carisoprodol, and opioids, controlling for initial reserve, sex, age, physical therapy, attorney involvement, and surgery.

RESULTS

Gabapentin, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and sedatives used in the first 3 months after injury were significantly associated with higher claim cost (≥$100,000). All opioid morphine equivalent doses greater than or equal to 5 mg/d for the first 6 months was significantly associated with higher cost (≥$100,000) and not being released to work at end of third year after injury with dose-response relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

Prescription patterns in the first 3 months or first 6 months of workers' compensation claim development may be used as predictors of claim outcomes.

The impact of comorbid spinal pain in depression on work participation and clinical remission following brief or short psychotherapy. Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial with two-year follow-up

Objectives

This explorative study analyses the influence of baseline comorbid long-lasting spinal pain (CSP) on improvement of long term work participation and clinical remission of mental health illness following either brief coping-focussed or short-term psychotherapy for depression. Whether type of treatment modifies outcome with or without CSP is also analysed.

Design

A secondary post hoc subgroup analysis of a pragmatic randomised controlled trial.

Interventions

Brief or standard short psychotherapy.

Methods

Based on baseline assessment, the sample was subdivided into a subgroup with and a subgroup without CSP. Work participation and clinical remission of depression and anxiety were assessed as treatment outcome at two-year follow-up. Simple and multivariate logistic regression analyses, across the intervention arms, were applied to evaluate the impact of CSP on treatment outcome. Selected baseline variables were considered as potential confounders and included as variates if relevant. The modifying effect of CSP on treatment outcome was evaluated by including intervention modality as an interaction term.

Main results

Among the 236 participants with depressive symptoms, 83 participants (35%) were identified with CSP. In simple logistic regression analysis, CSP reduced improvements on both work participation and clinical remission rate. In the multivariate analysis however, the impact of CSP on work participation and on clinical remission were not significant after adjusting for confounding variables. Reduction of work participation was mainly explained by the higher age of the CSP participants and the reduced clinical remission by the additional co-occurrence of anxiety symptoms at baseline. The occurrence of CSP at baseline did not modify long term outcome of brief compared to short psychotherapy.

Conclusions

CSP at baseline reduced work participation and worsened remission of mental health symptoms two-year following psychotherapy. Older age and more severe baseline anxiety are associated to reduced effectiveness. Type of psychotherapy received did not contribute to differences.

Impacts of Digital Care Programs for Musculoskeletal Conditions on Depression and Work Productivity: Longitudinal Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Comorbidity between musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and depression is highly common, and is associated with a greater symptom burden and greater loss of work productivity than either condition alone. Multimodal care programs tackling both physical and mental health components may maximize productivity recovery and return to work. Digital delivery of such programs can facilitate access, ensure continuity of care, and enhance patient engagement.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a completely remote multimodal digital care program (DCP) for MSK pain on mental health and work-related outcomes stratified by baseline depression levels.

METHODS

Ad hoc analysis of an interventional, single-arm, cohort study of individuals with MSK pain undergoing a DCP was performed. Three subgroups with different baseline depression severity levels were established based on responses to the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9): cluster 1 (score<5: minimal depression), cluster 2 (scores 5-10: mild depression), and cluster 3 (score≥10: moderate depression). The mean changes in depression, anxiety, fear-avoidance beliefs, work productivity, and activity impairment and adherence between baseline and end of program (8-12 weeks) were assessed across subgroups by latent growth curve analysis.

RESULTS

From a total of 7785 eligible participants, 6137 (78.83%) were included in cluster 1, 1158 (14.87%) in cluster 2, and 490 (6.29%) in cluster 3. Significant improvements in depression and anxiety scores were observed in clusters 2 and 3 but not in cluster 1, with average end-of-the program scores in clusters 2 and 3 below the initially defined cluster thresholds (score of 5 and 10, respectively). All clusters reported significant improvements in productivity impairment scores (mean changes from -16.82, 95% CI -20.32 to -13.42 in cluster 1 to -20.10, 95% CI -32.64 to -7.57 in cluster 3). Higher adherence was associated with higher improvements in depression in clusters 2 and 3, and with greater recovery in activities of daily living in cluster 3. Overall patient satisfaction was 8.59/10.0 (SD 1.74).

CONCLUSIONS

A multimodal DCP was able to promote improvements in productivity impairment scores comparable to those previously reported in the literature, even in participants with comorbid depression and anxiety. These results reinforce the need to follow a biopsychosocial framework to optimize outcomes in patients with MSK pain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04092946; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04092946.

Delivery of a Mental Health Intervention for Chronic Pain Through an Artificial Intelligence-Enabled App (Wysa): Protocol for a Prospective Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic pain often suffer from coexisting, long-term and debilitating mental health comorbidities such as depression and anxiety. Artificial Intelligence Supported Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or AI-CBT interventions could offer cost-effective, accessible, and potentially effective resources to tackle this problem. However, there is not enough research conducted about the efficacy of AI-CBT interventions for chronic pain.

OBJECTIVE

This prospective cohort study aims to examine the efficacy and usage of an AI-CBT intervention for chronic pain (Wysa for Chronic Pain app), using a conversational agent (with no human intervention). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such study for chronic pain using a fully-automated, free-text-based conversational agent (CA).

METHODS

Participants with self-reported chronic pain (N = 500) will be recruited online on a rolling basis from April 2022 through posts on US-based internet communities within this prospective cohort. Informed consent is taken from the participants within the app and the Wysa intervention is delivered remotely for 8 weeks. Outcome measures including NPRS (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), PROMIS PI (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Interference), GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), and PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire) questionnaires will be administered to test the effectiveness of the intervention on reducing levels of pain interference, depression, and anxiety. The therapeutic alliance created with the conversational agent will be assessed through the WAI-SR (Working Alliance Inventory-Short Revised). Retention and usage statistics will be observed for adherence and engagement.

RESULTS

The study will open for recruitment in April 2022 and data collection is expected to be completed by August 2022. The results for the primary outcomes are expected to be published by late-2022.

CONCLUSIONS

Mental health conversational agents driven by artificial intelligence (AI) could be effective in helping patients with chronic pain learn to self-manage their pain and deal with common comorbidities like depression and anxiety. The Wysa for Chronic Pain app is one such digital intervention that can potentially serve as a solution to the problems of affordability and scalability associated with interventions with a human therapist in loop. This prospective study examines the efficacy of the app as a treatment solution for chronic pain. It aims to inform future practices and digital mental health interventions for individuals with chronic pain.

CLINICALTRIAL

The Influence of Exercise Intensity on Psychosocial Outcomes in Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT

Psychosocial parameters play an important role in the onset and persistence of chronic musculoskeletal disorders (CMSDs). Exercise therapy is a valuable therapeutic modality as part of CMSD rehabilitation. Hereby, exercise intensity is an important factor regarding changes in pain and disability in multiple CMSDs. However, the impact of exercise intensity on psychosocial outcomes remains poorly explored.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the effects of different modes of exercise intensity on psychosocial outcomes in persons with CMSDs.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search was conducted up to November 2020 using the following databases: PubMed/MEDline, PEDro, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies reporting exercise therapy in CMSDs with a predefined display of exercise intensity and an evaluation of at least 1 psychosocial outcome were included.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 2a.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data regarding demographics, exercise intensity, and psychosocial outcomes were included in a descriptive analysis. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist.

RESULTS

A total of 22 studies, involving 985 participants (with fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis) were included (mean PEDro score = 5.77/10). The most common psychosocial outcomes were quality of life (QoL) (n = 15), depression (n = 10), and anxiety (n = 9). QoL improved at any exercise intensity in persons with fibromyalgia. However, persons with fibromyalgia benefit more from exercising at low to moderate intensity regarding anxiety and depression. In contrast, persons with chronic low back pain benefit more from exercising at a higher intensity regarding QoL, anxiety, and depression. Other CMSDs only showed limited or conflicting results regarding the value of certain exercise intensities.

CONCLUSION

Psychosocial outcomes are influenced by the intensity of exercise therapy in fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain, but effects differ across other CMSDs. Future research is necessary to determine the exercise intensity that yields optimal exercise therapy outcomes in specific CMSDs.

Digital Mental Health Intervention Plus Usual Care Compared to Usual Care Only and Usual Care Plus In-Person Psychological Counseling for Orthopedic Patients with Symptoms of Depression and/or Anxiety: Cohort Study (Preprint)

Background

Depression and anxiety frequently coexist with chronic musculoskeletal pain and can negatively impact patients’ responses to standard orthopedic treatments. Nevertheless, mental health is not routinely addressed in the orthopedic care setting. If effective, a digital mental health intervention may be a feasible and scalable method of addressing mental health in an orthopedic setting.

Objective

We aimed to compare 2-month changes in mental and physical health between orthopedic patients who received a digital mental health intervention in addition to usual orthopedic care, those who received usual orthopedic care only (without a specific mental health intervention), and those who received in-person care with a psychologist as part of their orthopedic treatment plan.

Methods

In this single-center retrospective cohort study involving ancillary analysis of a pilot feasibility study, 2-month self-reported health changes were compared between a cohort of orthopedic patients who received access to a digital mental health intervention (Wysa) and 2 convenience sample comparison cohorts (patients who received usual orthopedic care without a specific mental health intervention and patients who received in-person care with a psychologist as part of their orthopedic treatment plan). All patients were 18 years or older and reported elevated symptoms of depression or anxiety at an orthopedic clinic visit (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS] Depression or Anxiety score ≥55). The digital intervention was a multi-component mobile app that used chatbot technology and text-based access to human counselors to provide cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness training, and sleep tools, among other features, with an emphasis on behavioral activation and pain acceptance. Outcomes of interest were between-cohort differences in the 2-month longitudinal changes in PROMIS Depression and Anxiety scores (primary outcomes) and PROMIS Pain Interference and Physical Function scores (secondary outcomes).

Results

Among 153 patients (mean age 55, SD 15 years; 128 [83.7%] female; 51 patients per cohort), patients who received the digital mental health intervention showed clinically meaningful improvements at the 2-month follow-up for all PROMIS measures (mean longitudinal improvement 2.8-3.7 points; P≤.02). After controlling for age and BMI, the improvements in PROMIS Depression, Pain Interference, and Physical Function were meaningfully greater than longitudinal changes shown by patients who received usual orthopedic care (mean between-group difference 2.6-4.8 points; P≤.04). Improvements in PROMIS Physical Function were also meaningfully greater than longitudinal changes shown by patients who received in-person psychological counseling (mean between-group difference 2.4 points; P=.04).

Conclusions

Patients who received a digital mental health intervention as part of orthopedic care reported greater 2-month mean improvements in depression, pain interference, and physical function than patients who received usual orthopedic care. They also reported a greater mean improvement in physical function and comparable improvements in depression, anxiety, and pain interference compared with orthopedic patients who received in-person psychological counseling.

Digital mental health intervention for orthopedic patients with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety: Pilot feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Symptoms of depression and anxiety commonly coexist with chronic musculoskeletal pain, and when this occurs, standard orthopedic treatment is less effective. Nevertheless, addressing mental health is not yet a routine part of standard orthopedic treatment, in part due to access related barriers. Digital mental health intervention offers the potential to be a scalable resource that could feasibly be incorporated into orthopedic care.

OBJECTIVE

The primary purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of introducing a digital mental health intervention (Wysa) within an outpatient orthopedic setting to patients who endorse coexisting symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. The secondary purpose was to perform a preliminary effectiveness analysis of the intervention.

METHODS

In this single-arm, prospective cohort study, participants included adult patients (18 years and older) who presented to a non-surgical orthopedic specialist at a single tertiary care academic center for evaluation of a musculoskeletal condition and who self-reported symptoms of depression and/or anxiety (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Depression and/or Anxiety score ≥ 55). Enrollment was performed face-to-face by a research coordinator immediately after the participant's encounter with an orthopedic clinician. Participants were provided two months of access to a mobile app called Wysa, which is an established, multi-component digital mental health intervention that uses chatbot technology and text-based access to human counselors to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness training, and sleep tools, among other features. For this study, Wysa access also included novel, behavioral activation based features specifically developed for users with chronic pain. Primary feasibility outcomes included the study recruitment rate, retention rate, and engagement rate with Wysa (defined as engaging with a therapeutic Wysa tool at least once during the study period). Secondary effectiveness outcomes were between-group differences in mean longitudinal PROMIS mental and physical health score changes at two-month follow-up between high Wysa users and low Wysa users, defined by a median split.

RESULTS

The recruitment rate was 61/208 (29%), retention rate was 51/61 (84%), and engagement rate was 44/61 (72%). Compared to low users, high Wysa users achieved greater improvement in PROMIS Anxiety (between-group difference -4.2 points [95% CI -8.1 to -0.2], P=.044) at two-month follow-up. Between-group differences in PROMIS Depression (-3.2 points [-7.5 to 1.2], P=.15) and Pain Interference (-2.3 points [-6.3 to 1.7], P=.26) favored high users but did not meet statistical significance. Improvements in PROMIS Physical Function were comparable between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Delivery of a digital mental health intervention within the context of orthopedic care is feasible and demonstrates potential to improve mental health and pain-related impairment to a clinically meaningful degree. Participants' engagement rates exceeded industry standards, and additional opportunities to improve recruitment and retention were identified. Further pilot study followed by a definitive, randomized controlled trial is warranted.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT202005219.

Cognitive behavioral therapy with and without biofeedback in fibromyalgia: Assessment of functional and clinical change

The study compared the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with biofeedback or with emotional expression in individuals with fibromyalgia, and a waiting list control group. 88 women participated in a naturalistic study with random assignment. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, SCL-90R, and a visual analog quality of life scale were used. Both intervention groups improved, but differed in physical and emotional control response. Using the reliable change index procedure, clinical improvement occurred in 18.8% of participants, and 4.8% achieved scores comparable with clinical recovery. Greater specificity on therapeutic objectives is warranted.

Dialectical Pain Management: Feasibility of a Hybrid Third-Wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Approach for Adults Receiving Opioids for Chronic Pain

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of a hybrid skills-based group intervention, dialectical pain management (DPM), for adults with chronic pain who are receiving long-term opioid therapy. DPM adapts dialectical behavior therapy, a rigorous psychotherapeutic approach to emotion dysregulation, to treat disorders of physiological dysregulation.

METHODS

Individuals with chronic pain (N = 17) participated in one of two 8-week DPM intervention cohorts. At pre-test and post-test, participants completed quantitative self-report assessments measuring pain intensity and interference, depressive symptoms, pain acceptance, beliefs about pain medications, and global rating of change. Within 2 weeks after the intervention, participants completed qualitative interviews to assess participant satisfaction and obtain feedback about specific intervention components.

RESULTS

Of the 17 enrolled, 15 participants completed the group with 12 (70%) attending six or more sessions. Participants reported high satisfaction with the intervention. Preliminary findings suggested a significant increase in pain acceptance and a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. Participants also reported an improved relationship with their pain conditions and increased flexibility in responding to pain and applying coping skills. Several participants showed a reduction in opioid dosage over the course of the intervention.

DISCUSSION

Findings support that DPM is a feasible and well-received intervention for individuals with chronic pain. Additional research with a control group is needed to further determine the intervention's efficacy and impact.

Prognostic Factors for Health Outcomes After Exercise Therapy and Education in Individuals With Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis With or Without Comorbidities: A Study of 37,576 Patients Treated in Primary Care

OBJECTIVE

To identify prognostic factors for health outcomes following an 8-week supervised exercise therapy and education program for individuals with knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) alone or with concomitant hypertension, heart or respiratory disease, diabetes mellitus, or depression.

METHODS

We included individuals with knee and/or hip OA from the Good Life With OsteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D) program. GLA:D consists of 2 patient education sessions and 12 supervised exercise therapy sessions. Before GLA:D, participants self-reported any comorbidities and were categorized into 8 comorbidity groups. Twenty-one potential prognostic factors (demographic information, clinical data, and performance-based physical function) gathered from participants and clinicians before the program were included. Outcomes were physical function using the 40-meter Fast-Paced Walk Test (FPWT), health-related quality of life using the 5-level EuroQol 5-domain (EQ-5D-5L) index score, and pain intensity using a visual analog scale (VAS; range 0-100) assessed before and immediately after the GLA:D program. Within each comorbidity group, associations of prognostic factors with outcomes were estimated using multivariable linear regression.

RESULTS

Data from 35,496 (40-meter FPWT) and 37,576 (EQ-5D-5L and VAS) participants were included in the analyses. Clinically relevant associations were demonstrated between age, self-efficacy, self-rated health, and pain intensity and change in 40-meter FPWT, EQ-5D-5L, or VAS scores across comorbidity groups. Furthermore, anxiety, education, physical function, and smoking were associated with outcomes among subgroups having depression or diabetes mellitus in addition to OA.

CONCLUSION

Age, self-efficacy, self-rated health, and pain intensity may be prognostic of change in health outcomes following an 8-week exercise therapy and patient education program for individuals with OA, irrespective of comorbidities.

Corticolimbic Circuitry in Chronic Pain Tracks Pain Intensity Relief Following Exposure In Vivo

Background

A subset of patients with chronic pain who receive exposure in vivo (EXP) treatment experience clinically relevant relief of pain intensity. Although pain relief is not an explicit therapeutic target, it is important to understand how and why this concomitant effect occurs in some patients but not others. This longitudinal study therefore aimed to characterize brain plasticity as well as to explore pretreatment factors related to pain relief.

Methods

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired in 30 patients with chronic pain. Twenty-three patients completed EXP, and 6-month follow-up data were available in 20 patients (magnetic resonance imaging data in 17 patients). Pain-free control data were acquired at two time points (n = 29, n = 21). Seed-based resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) analyses were performed, with seeds in the amygdala, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens.

Results

Pain relief after EXP was highly variable, with 60% of patients reporting a clinically relevant improvement. Amygdala rsFC with the middle frontal gyrus decreased significantly over time in patients but was not associated with pain relief. In contrast, greater pain relief was associated with greater decreases over time in hippocampus rsFC with the precuneus, which was related to reductions in catastrophizing (EXP therapeutic target) as well. Greater pain relief was also associated with lower pretreatment rsFC between nucleus accumbens and postcentral gyrus.

Conclusions

While changes in hippocampus rsFC were associated with pain relief after EXP, pretreatment nucleus accumbens rsFC showed potential prognostic value. Our findings further support the importance of corticolimbic circuitry in chronic pain, emphasizing its relation to pain relief and identifying potential underlying mechanisms and prognostic factors, warranting further testing in independent samples.

Preoperative mental health status is a significant predictor of postoperative outcomes in adolescents treated with hip preservation surgery

PURPOSE

This study was designed to evaluate predictive factors that influence pain, mental health symptoms and postoperative outcomes at six-months post-hip preservation surgery (HPS) in adolescent surgical candidates.

METHODS

In total, 58 HPS candidates (39 female, 19 male; mean age 15.53 years (10 to 19)) were evaluated. Diagnoses included: acetabular dysplasia (34); idiopathic femoroacetabular impingement (15); Perthes disease (six); avascular necrosis (six); and slipped capital femoral epiphysis (six). All patients underwent periacetabular osteotomy (36), surgical hip dislocation (17) or arthroscopy (five). Patients completed the following: Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS); Child Health Questionnaire-87 (CHQ-87); Pediatric Symptom Checklist-Youth (PSC-Y), preoperatively and six months postoperatively. A single psychologist assessed patients in clinics and one to two additional appointments.

RESULTS

In all, 78% of patients reported one to three years of pain prior to HPS (modified Harris hip score). All pain scores (NPRS) significantly decreased at six months postoperatively. Preoperative mental health scores (CHQ-87) significantly predicted postoperative pain scores (F(1, 57) = 4.07; p < 0.048; R2 = 0.068). Mental health symptoms (PSC-Y) decreased significantly (p < 0.001). Patients who were seen by a psychologist two or more times reported better six-month postoperative outcomes than those seen once: usual pain (NPRS; p = 0.012); patient-reported physical function (CHQ-87; p = 0.029); and mental health (PSC-Y; p = 0.019). HPS patients seen ≥ 60 days prior to surgery showed marked improvements at six months compared with patients seen < 60 days prior to surgery.

CONCLUSION

HPS candidates evaluated preoperatively by psychology, as part of an integrated treatment approach, demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pain, health-related quality of life and mental health symptoms. Two+ visits, more than 60 days prior to surgery appears to be impactful. Preoperative pain and mental health symptoms were predictive of postoperative pain.Level of Evidence: II.

The Effectiveness of a Dyadic Pain Management Program for Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Chronic Pain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Chronic pain is a major health problem among older adults and their informal caregivers, which has negative effects on their physical and psychological status. The dyadic pain management program (DPMP) is provided to community-dwelling older adults and informal caregivers to help the dyads reduce pain symptoms, improve the quality of life, develop good exercise habits, as well as cope and break the vicious circle of pain. Methods: A pilot randomized controlled trial was designed and all the dyads were randomly divided into two groups: the DPMP group and control group. Dyads in the DPMP group participated in an 8-week DPMP (4-week face-to-face program and 4-week home-based program), whereas dyads in the control group received one page of simple pain-related information. Results: In total, 64 dyads participated in this study. For baseline comparisons, no significant differences were found between the two groups. After the interventions, the pain score was significantly reduced from 4.25 to 2.57 in the experimental group, respectively. In the repeated measures ANOVA, the differences in pain score (F = 107.787, p < 0.001, d = 0.777) was statistically significant for the group-by-time interaction. After the interventions, the experimental group participants demonstrated significantly higher pain self-efficacy compared with the control group (F = 80.535, p < 0.001, d = 0.722). Furthermore, the elderly increased exercise time significantly (F = 111.212, p < 0.001, d = 0.782) and reported developing good exercise habits. Conclusions: These results provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of a DPMP for relieving the symptoms of chronic pain among the elderly.

The impact of comorbid pain and depression in the United States: results from a nationally representative survey

Background and aims The co-morbidity between pain and depression is a target of interest for treatment. However most of the published literature on the topic has used clinical cohorts as the population of interest. The goal of this study was to use a nationally representative sample to explore how health outcomes varied across pain and depression status in a cohort sampled from the general US population. Methods This was a cross-sectional analysis of adults ≥18 years in the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The cohort was stratified into: no pain/depression, pain alone, depression alone, and pain with depression. The primary outcome was self-reported general health status, and secondary outcomes were healthcare visits, overnight hospital stays and functional limitation. Survey weighted logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders. Results The cohort consisted of 4,213 individuals, of which 186 (4.4%) reported concurrent pain and depression. 597 (14.2%) and 253 (6.0%) were classified with either pain or depression alone, respectively. The majority of individuals with co-morbid pain and depression reported poor health (65.1%, p<0.001) and were significantly more likely than those with neither condition to rate their health as poor after adjustment (OR: 7.77, 95% CI: 4.24-14.26, p<0.001). Those with pain only or depression only were also more likely to rate their health as poor, albeit to a lesser extent (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.21-2.34, p<0.001; OR: 3.75, 95% CI: 2.54-5.54, p<0.001, respectively). A similar pattern was noted across all secondary outcomes. Most notably, those with co-morbid pain and depression were the most likely to endorse functional limitation (OR: 13.15, 95% CI: 8.00-21.61, p<0.001). Comparatively, a similar trend was noted amongst those with pain only or depression only, though with a reduced effect size (OR: 4.23, 95% CI: 3.12-4.77, p<0.001; OR: 5.13, 95% CI: 3.38-7.82, p<0.001). Conclusions Co-morbid pain and depression in the general population resulted in markedly worse outcomes versus isolated pain or depression. Further, the effect appears to be synergistic. Given the substantial burdens of pain and depression, future treatments should aim to address both conditions simultaneously. Implications As a result of the co-morbidity between pain and depression, patients presenting with either condition should increase the index of suspicion among clinicians and prompt screening for the reciprocal condition. Early intervention for co-morbid pain and depression has the potential to mitigate future incidence of chronic pain and major depression.

Participants and developers experiences with a chronic pain self-management intervention under development: A qualitative study

Background:

Non-pharmacological interventions aim to promote health and self-management for people with chronic pain.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to explore if the participants’ experiences with a self-management intervention under development were aligned with the developers’ rationale and desired outcome of the intervention.

Methods:

This was a qualitative study interviewing both participants and developers of a chronic pain self-management intervention. Seven participants, six females and one male in the age from early thirties to mid-seventies attended the chronic pain self-management intervention developed by the staff at a Healthy Life Centre. The data were analysed by the systematic text condensation method.

Results:

The analyses showed that the participants evaluated the intervention as valuable. They described using coping techniques to manage their chronic pain better, and the developers stated that the aim with the intervention was to provide the participants with coping techniques. The intervention was built upon the developers’ professional knowledge and experience in cognitive techniques, health theories, models for behavioural change, and service user involvement.

Conclusion:

This study found that the chronic pain self-management intervention was in concordance with theory of health promotion and empowerment. The participants experienced the intervention as targeting their resources, capacities, and fulfilling social needs, which aligned with the developers aim with the intervention. The participants found the intervention evocative; they learned new ways to manage their pain through theory/education, movement exercises, homework, and sharing their experiences with each other.

What Interventions Improve Outcomes for the Patient Who Is Depressed and in Pain?

SPECIFIC CLINICAL ISSUE

The purpose of this clinical consultation is to offer nurses evidence-based strategies to provide holistic care to their patients with comorbid depression and pain. The combination of depression and pain is common and, if not managed effectively, has negative outcomes. Treatment-resistance is one negative outcome. The worst-case scenario for unrelieved depression and/or pain is suicide.

MAJOR PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON BEST EVIDENCE

Antidepressants, particularly duloxetine, have had efficacy for pain and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy, an evidence-based treatment for depression, has been found to decrease pain. Examples of additional interventions include exercise, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and music. Providing holistic nursing care and working with other disciplines optimizes more effective management of these co-occurring conditions.

Psychometric validation of the Serbian version of the Fear Avoidance Component Scale (FACS)

OBJECTIVE

The Fear Avoidance Components Scale (FACS) is a new patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaire designed to comprehensively evaluate fear avoidance (FA) beliefs and attitudes in persons with painful medical conditions. The original English version has demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties, including concurrent and predictive validity. Two factors have been identified: 1. general fear avoidance; and 2. types of activities that are avoided.

METHODS

The FACS was first translated into Serbian, and then psychometrically validated. A cohort of 322 chronic musculoskeletal pain subjects completed the FACS-Serb and additional FA-related patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures. Their FACS-Serb scores were then compared to a cohort of 68 acute pain subjects.

RESULTS

Test-retest reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.928) and internal consistency for both Factors (Cronbach α 0.904 and 0,880 respectively) were very good. An acceptable fit was found with a confirmatory factor analysis of the 2-factor model found with the original English version of the FACS. Strong associations were found among FACS-Serb scores and other PRO measures of pain catastrophizing, depressive/anxiety symptoms, perceived disability, and pain intensity (p<0.001 for all analyses). FACS-Serb total scores, separate Factor scores, and subjective pain ratings were significantly higher in the chronic vs. acute pain cohorts (p<0.001 for all analyses).

CONCLUSIONS

The FACS-Serb demonstrated strong psychometric properties, including strong reliability and internal consistency, criterion validity (through associations with other FA-related PRO measures), and discriminant validity (through comparisons with a separate acute pain cohort). The FACS-Serb appears to be a potentially useful pain-related assessment tool.

Pressure Pain Phenotypes in Women Before Breast Cancer Treatment

OBJECTIVES

To explore associations between quantitative sensory testing (QST) and pretreatment pain, physical, and psychological characteristics in women with breast cancer.

SAMPLE & SETTING

41 women with treatment-naive stage 0-III breast cancer at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center in Ann Arbor.

METHODS & VARIABLES

Participants completed self-report surveys and QST within the month before breast surgery. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were measured bilaterally at each trapezius with a manual QST algometer. PPT values were split, yielding low, moderate, and high pain sensitivity subgroups. Subgroup self-reported characteristics were compared using Spearman's correlation, chi-square, and one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Lower PPT (higher sensitivity) was associated with higher levels of pain interference and maladaptive pain cognitions. The high-sensitivity group reported higher pain severities, interference, and catastrophizing and lower belief in internal locus of pain control than the low-sensitivity group.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Individualized interventions for maladaptive pain cognitions before surgery may reduce pain sensitivity and the severity of chronic pain developed after surgery.

The Fear-Avoidance Components Scale (FACS): Responsiveness to Functional Restoration Treatment in a Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Disorder (CMPD) Population

OBJECTIVES

To assess the clinical validity and factor structure of the Fear-Avoidance Components Scale (FACS), a new fear-avoidance measure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 426 chronic musculoskeletal pain disorder patients were admitted to a Functional Restoration Program (FRP). They were categorized into 5 FACS severity levels, from subclinical to extreme, at admission, and again at discharge. Associations with objective lifting performance and other patient-reported psychosocial measures were determined at admission and discharge, and objective work outcomes for this predominantly disabled cohort, were assessed 1 year later.

RESULTS

Those patients in the severe and extreme FACS severity groups at admission were more likely to "drop out" of treatment than those in the lower severity groups (P=0.05). At both admission and discharge, the FACS severity groups were highly and inversely correlated with objective lifting performance and patient-reported fear-avoidance-related psychosocial variables, including kinesiophobia, pain intensity, depressive symptoms, perceived disability, perceived injustice, and insomnia (Ps<0.001). All variables showed improvement at FRP discharge. Patients in the extreme FACS severity group at discharge were less likely to return to, or retain, work 1 year later (P≤0.02). A factor analysis identified a 2-factor solution.

DISCUSSION

Strong associations were found among FACS scores and other patient-reported psychosocial and objective lifting performance variables at both admission and discharge. High discharge-FACS scores were associated with worse work outcomes 1 year after discharge. The FACS seems to be a valid and clinically useful measure for predicting attendance, physical performance, distress, and relevant work outcomes in FRP treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain disorder patients.

The Role of Self-Efficacy on the Prognosis of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review

Evidence suggests that self-efficacy can play an essential role as a protective factor as well as a mediator in the relationship between pain and disability in people suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain. This study systematically reviewed and critically appraised the role of self-efficacy on the prognosis of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Study selection was on the basis of longitudinal studies testing the prognostic value of self-efficacy in chronic musculoskeletal pain. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, the Cochrane Collaboration's tool, and the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies checklist were used to evaluate the risk of bias of included studies. A total of 27 articles met the inclusion criteria. Our results suggest that higher self-efficacy levels are associated with greater physical functioning, physical activity participation, health status, work status, satisfaction with the performance, efficacy beliefs, and lower levels of pain intensity, disability, disease activity, depressive symptoms, presence of tender points, fatigue, and presenteeism. Despite the low quality of evidence of included studies, clinicians should be encouraged identify people with chronic musculoskeletal pain who present low self-efficacy levels before prescribing any therapy. It may help clinicians in their clinical decision-making and timely and specific consultations with-or referral to-other health care providers.

PERSPECTIVE

This article presents promising results about the role of self-efficacy on the prognosis of chronic musculoskeletal pain. However, because of the low quality of evidence of included studies, these findings should be taken with caution, and further research is needed.

'Isn't it ironic?' Beliefs about the unacceptability of emotions and emotional suppression relate to worse outcomes in fibromyalgia

Beliefs about the unacceptability of experiencing and expressing emotions have been found to be related to worse outcomes in people with persistent physical symptoms. The current study tested mediation models regarding emotional suppression, beliefs about emotions, support-seeking and global impact in fibromyalgia. One hundred eighty-two participants took part in an online questionnaire testing potential mechanisms of this relationship using mediation analysis. The model tested emotional suppression and affective distress as serial mediators of the relationship between beliefs about emotions and global impact. In parallel paths, two forms of support-seeking were tested (personal/emotional and symptom-related support-seeking) as mediators. Emotional suppression and affective distress significantly serially mediated the relationship between beliefs about emotions and global impact. Neither support-seeking variable significantly mediated this relationship. Results indicate a potential mechanism through which beliefs about emotions and global impact might relate which might provide a theoretical basis for future research on treatments for fibromyalgia.

Assessment of physical function and participation in chronic pain clinical trials: IMMPACT/OMERACT recommendations

Although pain reduction is commonly the primary outcome in chronic pain clinical trials, physical functioning is also important. A challenge in designing chronic pain trials to determine efficacy and effectiveness of therapies is obtaining appropriate information about the impact of an intervention on physical function. The Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT) and Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) convened a meeting to consider assessment of physical functioning and participation in research on chronic pain. The primary purpose of this article is to synthesize evidence on the scope of physical functioning to inform work on refining physical function outcome measurement. We address issues in assessing this broad construct and provide examples of frequently used measures of relevant concepts. Investigators can assess physical functioning using patient-reported outcome (PRO), performance-based, and objective measures of activity. This article aims to provide support for the use of these measures, covering broad aspects of functioning, including work participation, social participation, and caregiver burden, which researchers should consider when designing chronic pain clinical trials. Investigators should consider the inclusion of both PROs and performance-based measures as they provide different but also important complementary information. The development and use of reliable and valid PROs and performance-based measures of physical functioning may expedite development of treatments, and standardization of these measures has the potential to facilitate comparison across studies. We provide recommendations regarding important domains to stimulate research to develop tools that are more robust, address consistency and standardization, and engage patients early in tool development.

Chronic Pain in Neurosurgery

This review includes a summary of contemporary theories of pain processing and advocates a multimodal analgesia approach for providing perioperative care. A summary of various medication classes and anesthetic techniques is provided that highlights evidence emerging from neurosurgical literature. This summary covers opioid management, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal antiinflammatories, ketamine, lidocaine, dexmedetomidine, corticosteroids, gabapentin, and regional anesthesia for neurosurgery. At present, there is not enough investigation into these areas to describe best practices for treating or preventing chronic pain in neurosurgery; but providers can identify a wider range of options available to personalize perioperative care strategies.

Weak outcome predictors of multimodal rehabilitation at one-year follow-up in patients with chronic pain-a practice based evidence study from two SQRP centres

BACKGROUND

For patients with chronic pain, the heterogeneity of clinical presentations makes it difficult to identify patients who would benefit from multimodal rehabilitation programs (MMRP). Yet, there is limited knowledge regarding the predictors of MMRP's outcomes. This study identifies predictors of outcome of MMRPs at a 12-month follow-up (FU-12) based on data from the Swedish Quality Registry for Pain Rehabilitation (SQRP).

METHODS

Patients with chronic pain from two clinical departments in Sweden completed the SQRP questionnaires-background, pain characteristics, psychological symptoms, function, activity/participation, health and quality of life-on three occasions: 1) during their first visit; 2) immediately after the completion of their MMRP; and 3) 12 months after completing the MMRP (n = 227). During the FU-12, the patients also retrospectively reported their global impressions of any changes in their perception of pain and their ability to handle their life situation in general.

RESULTS

Significant improvements were found for pain, psychological symptoms, activity/participation, health, and quality of life aspects with low/medium strong effects. A general pattern was observed from the analyses of the changes from baseline to FU-12; the largest improvements in outcomes were significantly associated with poor situations according to their respective baseline scores. Although significant regressors of the investigated outcomes were found, the significant predictors were weak and explained a minor part of the variation in outcomes (15-25%). At the FU-12, 53.6% of the patients reported that their pain had decreased and 80.1% reported that their life situation in general had improved. These improvements were associated with high education, low pain intensity, high health level, and work importance (only pain perception). The explained variations were low (9-11%).

CONCLUSIONS

Representing patients in real-world clinical settings, this study confirmed systematic reviews that outcomes of MMRP are associated with broad positive effects. A mix of background and baseline variables influenced the outcomes investigated, but the explained variations in outcomes were low. There is still a need to develop standardized and relatively simple outcomes that can be used to evaluate MMRP in trials, in clinical evaluations at group level, and for individual patients.

Reliability, Validity, and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Turkish Version of the Bournemouth Questionnaire

STUDY DESIGN

Validation of a self-report questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate adaptation, validity, and reliability of the Turkish version of the Bournemouth Questionnaire.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Low back pain is one of the most frequent disorders leading to activity limitation. This pain affects most of people in their lives. The most important point to evaluate patient's functional abilities and to decide a successful therapy procedure is to manage the assessment questionnaires precisely.

METHODS

One hundred ten patients with chronic low back pain were included in present study. To assess reliability, test-retest and internal consistency analyses were applied. The results of test-retest analysis were assessed by using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient method (95% confidence interval). For internal consistency, Cronbach alpha value was calculated. Validity of the questionnaire was assessed in terms of construct validity. For construct validity, factor analysis and convergent validity were tested. For convergent validity, total points of the Bournemouth Questionnaire were assessed with the total points of Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire by using Pearson correlation coefficient analysis.

RESULTS

Cronbach alpha value was found 0.914, showing that this questionnaire has high internal consistency. The results of test-retest analysis were varying between 0.851 and 0.927, which shows that test-retest results are highly correlated. Factor analysis test indicated that this questionnaire had one factor. Pearson correlation coefficient of the Bournemouth Questionnaire with Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire was calculated 0.703 and it was found with Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale is 0.659. These results showed that the Bournemouth Questionnaire is very good correlated with Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale.

CONCLUSION

The Turkish version of the Bournemouth Questionnaire is valid and reliable.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Childhood violence and adult chronic pain among indigenous Sami and non-Sami populations in Norway: a SAMINOR 2 questionnaire study

Background

Internationally, studies have shown that childhood violence is associated with chronic pain in adulthood. However, to date, this relationship has not been examined in any indigenous population.

Objective

The main objectives of this study were to investigate the association between childhood violence and reported chronic pain, number of pain sites and the intensity of pain in adulthood in indigenous Sami and non-Sami adults, and to explore ethnic differences.

Design

The study is based on the SAMINOR 2 questionnaire study, a larger population-based, cross-sectional survey on health and living conditions in multiethnic areas with both Sami and non-Sami populations in Mid- and Northern Norway. Our study includes a total of 11,130 adult participants: 2,167 Sami respondents (19.5%) and 8,963 non-Sami respondents (80.5%). Chronic pain was estimated by reported pain located in various parts of the body. Childhood violence was measured by reported exposure of emotional, physical and/or sexual violence.

Results

Childhood violence was associated with adult chronic pain in several pain sites of the body regardless of ethnicity and gender. Childhood violence was also associated with increased number of chronic pain sites and higher pain intensity compared to those not exposed to childhood violence. However, among Sami men, this association was only significant for pain located in chest, hips/legs and back, and non-significant for increased number of chronic pain sites (adjusted model), and higher pain intensity.

Conclusion

Respondents exposed to childhood violence reported more chronic pain in several parts of the body, increased number of chronic pain sites and more intense pain in adulthood than respondents reporting no childhood violence. However, among Sami men, this association was weaker and also not significant for increased number of chronic pain sites and higher pain intensity.

Linking the Bournemouth Questionnaire for low back pain to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

PURPOSE

Understanding the content of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaires can facilitate comparison and selection of the most appropriate tool in the assessment of patients with low back pain. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), as part of the WHO-FIC, can be used as a standardised method for mapping and comparing HRQOL questionnaire content. The purpose of this study was to link the Bournemouth Questionnaire (BQ) to the ICF in order to assess and compare the content of the BQ to the brief ICF core sets for low back pain.

METHODS

The BQ was linked to the ICF following the rules described by Cieza and Stuki. Following the linking process, the results were further linked to the brief ICF core sets for low back pain.

RESULTS

The BQ covered 21 ICF categories within the domains of body functions and activities and participation. Only five meaningful concepts could not be linked to the ICF. The brief core sets for low back pain contain 35 categories, identified as important concepts in back pain patients. The BQ covered 10 of the categories of the brief core sets.

CONCLUSION

HRQOL tools provide valuable information about the health status of patients. Content comparison based on ICF provides relevant information about the concepts covered and enables selection of the appropriate clinical tools. The BQ is easy to administer and is linked to a number of important concepts contained within the ICF and to concepts considered to be important in the assessment of patients with LBP.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

Selecting appropriate health-related quality of life (HRQOL) tools can prove difficult, with such a variety of them available, and each with varying content. ICF provides a standardised framework for the content assessment of HRQOL tools. Understanding the content of HRQOL tools can facilitate better tool selection and assist in the accurate assessment of patients with low back pain.

The Fear-avoidance Components Scale (FACS): Development and Psychometric Evaluation of a New Measure of Pain-related Fear Avoidance

Pain-related fear avoidance (FA), a common problem for patients with painful medical conditions, involves pain-related catastrophizing cognitions, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviors, which can ultimately lead to decreased functioning, depression, and disability. Several patient-reported instruments have been developed to measure FA, but they have been criticized for limited construct validity, inadequate item specificity, lack of cutoff scores, and missing important FA components. The Fear-Avoidance Components Scale (FACS) is a new patient-reported measure designed to comprehensively evaluate FA in patients with painful medical conditions. It combines important components of FA found in prior FA scales, while trying to correct some of their deficiencies, within a framework of the most current FA model. Psychometric evaluation of the FACS found high internal consistency (α = 0.92) and high test/retest reliability (r = 0.90-0.94, P < 0.01). FACS scores differentiated between 2 separate chronic pain patient samples and a nonpatient comparison group. When clinically relevant severity levels were created, FACS severity scores were highly associated with FA-related patient-reported psychosocial and objective lifting performance variables. These results suggest that the FACS is a psychometrically strong and reliable measure that can help healthcare providers assess FA-related barriers to function and recovery.

Short-term variability in outpatient pain intensity scores in a national sample of older veterans with chronic pain

OBJECTIVE

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses the 11-point pain numeric rating scale (NRS) to gather pain intensity information from veterans at outpatient appointments. Yet, little is known about how NRS scores may vary over time within individuals; NRS variability may have important ramifications for treatment planning. Our main objective was to describe variability in NRS scores within a 1-month timeframe, as obtained during routine outpatient care in older patients with chronic pain treated in VA hospitals. A secondary objective was to explore for patient characteristics associated with within-month NRS score variability.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SUBJECTS

National sample of veterans 65 years or older seen in VA in 2010 who had multiple elevated NRS scores indicating chronic pain.

METHODS

VA datasets were used to identify the sample and demographic and clinical variables including NRS scores. For the main analysis, we identified subjects with two or more NRS scores obtained in each of two or more months in a 12-month period; we examined ranges in NRS scores across the first two qualifying months.

RESULTS

Among 4,336 individuals in the main analysis cohort, the mean and median of the average NRS score range across the 2 months were 2.7 and 2.5, respectively. In multivariable models, main significant predictors of within-month NRS score variability were baseline pain intensity, overall medical comorbidity, and being divorced/separated.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients in the sample had clinically meaningful variation in pain scores within a given month. This finding highlights the need for clinicians and their patients to consider multiple NRS scores when making chronic pain treatment decisions.

Does pain severity guide selection to multimodal pain rehabilitation across gender?

BACKGROUND

Studies have addressed the effect of multimodal pain rehabilitation (MMR), whereas criteria for selection are sparse. This study examines whether higher scores on musculoskeletal pain measures are associated with selection to MMR, and whether this differs across gender.

METHOD

A clinical population of 262 male and 589 female patients was recruited consecutively during 3 years, 2007-2010. The patients were referred from primary care to a pain rehabilitation clinic in Northern Sweden for assessment and selection to MMR. Register-based data on self-reported pain were linked to patients' records where outcome (MMR or not) was stated. We modelled odds ratios for selection to MMR by higher scores on validated pain measures (pain severity, interference with daily life, pain sites and localized pain vs. varying pain location). Covariates were age, educational level and multiple pain measures. Anxiety and depression (Hospital, Anxiety and Depression Scale) and working status were used in sensitivity tests.

RESULTS

Higher scores of self-reported pain were not associated with selection to MMR in multivariate models. Among women, higher scores on pain severity, pain sites and varying pain location (localized pain = reference) were negatively associated with selection to MMR. After adjustment for multiple pain measures, the negative odds ratio for varying location persisted (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.39-0.89).

CONCLUSION

Higher scores on self-reported pain did not guide selection to MMR and a negative trend was found among women. Studies of referral patterns and decision processes may contribute to a better understanding of the clinical practice that decides selection to MMR.

Fear-avoidance beliefs-a moderator of treatment efficacy in patients with low back pain: a systematic review

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Psychological factors are believed to influence the development of chronic low back pain. To date, it is not known how fear-avoidance beliefs (FABs) influence the treatment efficacy in low back pain.

PURPOSE

To summarize the evidence examining the influence of FABs measured with the Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire or the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia on treatment outcomes in patients with low back pain.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

This is a systematic review.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Patients with low back pain.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Work-related outcomes and perceived measures including return to work, pain, and disability.

METHODS

In January 2013, the following databases were searched: BIOSIS, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, OTSeeker, PeDRO, PsycInfo, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science. A hand search of the six most often retrieved journals and a bibliography search completed the search.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTIONS

research studies that included patients with low back pain who participated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating nonoperative treatment efficacy. Out of 646 records, 78 articles were assessed in full text and 17 RCTs were included. Study quality was high in five studies and moderate in 12 studies.

RESULTS

In patients with low back pain of up to 6 months duration, high FABs were associated with more pain and/or disability (4 RCTs) and less return to work (3 RCTs) (GRADE high-quality evidence, 831 patients vs. 322 in nonpredictive studies). A decrease in FAB values during treatment was associated with less pain and disability at follow-up (GRADE moderate evidence, 2 RCTs with moderate quality, 242 patients). Interventions that addressed FABs were more effective than control groups based on biomedical concepts (GRADE moderate evidence, 1,051 vs. 227 patients in studies without moderating effects). In chronic patients with LBP, the findings were less consistent. Two studies found baseline FABs to be associated with more pain and disability and less return to work (339 patients), whereas 3 others (832 patients) found none (GRADE low evidence). Heterogeneity of the studies impeded a pooling of the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence suggests that FABs are associated with poor treatment outcome in patients with LBP of less than 6 months, and thus early treatment, including interventions to reduce FABs, may avoid delayed recovery and chronicity. Patients with high FABs are more likely to improve when FABs are addressed in treatments than when these beliefs are ignored, and treatment strategies should be modified if FABs are present.

Pharmacotherapeutic management of chronic noncancer pain in primary care: lessons for pharmacists

Purpose

Describe the pharmacotherapeutic management of primary-care patients with chronic noncancer pain, assess their satisfaction with pain treatment, and identify the determinants of their satisfaction.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted in Quebec (Canada). Patients reporting chronic noncancer pain with an average pain intensity of at least 4 on a 0–10 scale (10= worst possible pain) and having an active analgesic prescription from a primary-care physician were recruited. They completed a telephone interview and a self-administered questionnaire to document their pain, emotional well-being, satisfaction with treatment, and barriers/beliefs/attitudes about pain and its treatment. Information on pharmacotherapy was based on an administrative provincial database and pharmacies’ charts. Determinants of patients’ satisfaction were identified using multivariate linear regression models.

Results

Four hundred and eighty six patients participated. Their mean age was 58.4 years and they had had pain for a mean of 11.7 years (standard deviation, ±11.1) at an average pain intensity of 6.5 in the past week. Although 90% reported adverse gastrointestinal effects, 36.4% and 54.4% of these patients took no over-the-counter or prescribed medication for constipation or nausea, respectively. On a scale from 0–100, the mean overall satisfaction score was 64.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] =63.5–65.9). Patient satisfaction was low, particularly regarding the “information about pain and its treatment” (mean 50.6; 95% CI =47.6–53.7) and “treatment efficacy” (mean 53.6; 95% CI =51.5–55.6) subscales. The overall treatment satisfaction score decreased with more pain disability, probable depression and anxiety, more barriers to pain treatment, higher incidence of nausea, and use of over-the-counter analgesics.

Conclusion

In primary care, patients’ level of satisfaction with their pain treatment is not optimal. This study underlines how the expanded scope of practice of community pharmacists may allow them to play a pivotal role in providing information, discussing barriers to pain treatment, and monitoring pain disability, and by appropriately managing pharmacotherapy to optimize effectiveness while minimizing adverse effects.

Problematic pain - redefining how we view pain?

The term 'problematic pain' is relatively new and has been the recent source of much debate, especially among primary and community care pain clinicians. In this article, we review the concept of problematic pain, highlighting how it fits in the context of acute, sub-acute and chronic pain. We also examine how risk for the development of chronicity can be assessed using current data and screening tools. The use of ultra-short screening tools for other conditions has previously been evaluated in the literature, and we propose a new tool, to open discussion for the assessment of problematic pain. This is especially relevant in the short consultation where it can be difficult to capture meaningful information quickly. Finally, we focus upon new initiatives currently in progress in the arena of problematic pain in the United Kingdom.

Are depression, anxiety and poor mental health risk factors for knee pain? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

While it is recognized that psychosocial factors are important in the development and progression of musculoskeletal pain and disability, no systematic review has specifically focused on examining the relationship between psychosocial factors and knee pain. We aimed to systematically review the evidence to determine whether psychosocial factors, specifically depression, anxiety and poor mental health, are risk factors for knee pain.

METHODS

Electronic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO were performed to identify relevant studies published up to August 2012 using MESH terms and keywords. We included studies that met a set of predefined criteria and two independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality of the selected studies. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, a best evidence synthesis was performed.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies were included in the review, of which 9 were considered high quality. The study populations were heterogeneous in terms of diagnosis of knee pain. We found a strong level of evidence for a relationship between depression and knee pain, limited evidence for no relationship between anxiety and knee pain, and minimal evidence for no relationship between poor mental health and knee pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the heterogeneity of the included studies, these data show that depression plays a significant role in knee pain, and that a biopsychosocial approach to the management of this condition is integral to optimising outcomes for knee pain.

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of transmural collaborative care with consultation letter (TCCCL) and duloxetine for major depressive disorder (MDD) and (sub)chronic pain in collaboration with primary care: design of a randomized placebo-controlled multi-Centre trial: TCC:PAINDIP

BACKGROUND

The comorbidity of pain and depression is associated with high disease burden for patients in terms of disability, wellbeing, and use of medical care. Patients with major and minor depression often present themselves with pain to a general practitioner and recognition of depression in such cases is low, but evolving. Also, physical symptoms, including pain, in major depressive disorder, predict a poorer response to treatment. A multi-faceted, patient-tailored treatment programme, like collaborative care, is promising. However, treatment of chronic pain conditions in depressive patients has, so far, received limited attention in research. Cost effectiveness of an integrated approach of pain in depressed patients has not been studied.

METHODS/DESIGN

This study is a placebo controlled double blind, three armed randomized multi centre trial. Patients with (sub)chronic pain and a depressive disorder are randomized to either a) collaborative care with duloxetine, b) collaborative care with placebo or c) duloxetine alone. 189 completers are needed to attain sufficient power to show a clinically significant effect of 0.6 SD on the primary outcome measures (PHQ-9 score). Data on depression, anxiety, mental and physical health, medication adherence, medication tolerability, quality of life, patient-doctor relationship, coping, health resource use and productivity will be collected at baseline and after three, six, nine and twelve months.

DISCUSSION

This study enables us to show the value of a closely monitored integrated treatment model above usual pharmacological treatment. Furthermore, a comparison with a placebo arm enables us to evaluate effectiveness of duloxetine in this population in a real life setting. Also, this study will provide evidence-based treatments and tools for their implementation in practice. This will facilitate generalization and implementation of results of this study. Moreover, patients included in this study are screened for pain symptoms, differentiating between nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Therefore, pain relief can be thoroughly evaluated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NTR1089.

Psychosocial, educational, and somatic factors in chronic nonspecific low back pain

Analysis of the effect of psychosocial factors and co-morbidities on the health status of patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain and patients with surgical intervention because of disk herniation was performed. One hundred and two nonselected consecutive inpatients with chronic nonspecific low back pain were included in the study. Their average age was 56.7 (SD = 10.9) years. The control group consisted of 199 subjects matched according to age and sex, chosen from the database of the national representative health survey Hungarostudy 2006, which involved 4,527 subjects. We measured quality of life including mental health with the SF-36 questionnaire validated for use in Hungary, the short 9-item version of the Beck Depression Inventory, the WHO-Five Well-Being Index, and the Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale. We characterized the socio-demographic status with variables on age, sex, marital status, and education. Data on symptoms and signs of low back pain, other musculoskeletal diseases, and their treatments including spinal surgery were recorded. Co-morbidity and body mass index were considered as independent indicators of health. Depression as measured by Beck Depression Inventory and severity of depression did not vary significantly according to marital status, education, hypertension, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disease. Only half of the patients (52 %) were in the normal range of the scale; 22 % suffered from mild, 16 % from moderate, and 12 % from severe depression. Average values for anxiety and depression as measured by Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale and Beck Depression Inventory were both significantly higher in the patient than in the control group (Hospital Anxiety Scale: p = 0.0001; Beck Depression Inventory: p = 0.0001). According to the WHO Well-Being Index-5 scale, the difference between patients and the control group was significant (p = 0.0001). Furthermore, correlation was found between the incidence of depression and surgery. Depression was demonstrated in 47.4 % of those patients who had no surgery, in 50 % of patients who had one round of surgery, and in 62.5 % of those who had undergone surgery more than once; the contingence coefficient was 0.211. According to different measurements, the psychological state of patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain was significantly altered as compared to the matched Hungarian population. Higher anxiety and depression markers occurred in 48 % of the patients. There was no correlation between the depression of patients with low back pain and variables such as marital status, education, and co-morbidities. Our study is the first to demonstrate that depression runs parallel with the number of surgical procedures. Therefore, if there is a relative indication for surgery, depression and severity of depression should be assessed and considered when deciding on the intervention.

Taking responsibility for the early assessment and treatment of patients with musculoskeletal pain: a review and critical analysis

Musculoskeletal pain is common across all populations and costly in terms of impact on the individual and, more generally, on society. In most health-care systems, the first person to see the patient with a musculoskeletal problem such as back pain is the general practitioner, and access to other professionals such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, or osteopaths is still either largely controlled by a traditional medical model of referral or left to self-referral by the patient. In this paper, we examine the arguments for the general practitioner-led model and consider the arguments, and underpinning evidence, for reconsidering who should take responsibility for the early assessment and treatment of patients with musculoskeletal problems.

Depressive symptoms, anatomical region, and clinical outcomes for patients seeking outpatient physical therapy for musculoskeletal pain

BACKGROUND

Clinical guidelines advocate the routine identification of depressive symptoms for patients with pain in the lumbar or cervical spine, but not for other anatomical regions.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and impact of depressive symptoms for patients with musculoskeletal pain across different anatomical regions. Design This was a prospective, associational study.

METHODS

Demographic, clinical, depressive symptom (Symptom Checklist 90-Revised), and outcome data were collected by self-report from a convenience sample of 8,304 patients. Frequency of severe depressive symptoms was assessed by chi-square analysis for demographic and clinical variables. An analysis of variance examined the influence of depressive symptoms and anatomical region on intake pain intensity and functional status. Separate hierarchical multiple regression models by anatomical region examined the influence of depressive symptoms on clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Prevalence of severe depression was higher in women, in industrial and pain clinics, and in patients who reported chronic pain or prior surgery. Lower prevalence rates were found in patients older than 65 years and those who had upper- or lower-extremity pain. Depressive symptoms had a moderate to large effect on pain ratings (Cohen d=0.55-0.87) and a small to large effect on functional status (Cohen d=0.28-0.95). In multivariate analysis, depressive symptoms contributed additional variance to pain intensity and functional status for all anatomical locations, except for discharge values for the cervical region.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of depressive symptoms varied slightly based on anatomical region of musculoskeletal pain. Depressive symptoms had a consistent detrimental influence on outcomes, except on discharge scores for the cervical anatomical region. Expanding screening recommendations for depressive symptoms to include more anatomical regions may be indicated in physical therapy settings.