"Gaining Control" Factors associated with improvements in fear in people with chronic back pain

“GAINING CONTROL” A PROSPECTIVE MIXED-METHODS STUDY EXPLORING THE FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH IMPROVEMENTS IN FEAR IN PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC BACK PAIN

Presenter: Bunzli S

This Module addresses:

Question: Fear-reduction interventions targeting pain-catastrophising

have reported modest effects. To better understand the mechanisms

involved in fear-reduction, we asked: What factors are associated with

improvements in fear in people with chronic back pain?

Conclusion: This study suggests different pathways to fear-reduction

that may be facilitated by clinicians considering the beliefs underlying fear

and providing individualised management to improve pain control.

Key Practice Points:

• Pain-related fear is modifiable over a four-month period

• Individuals who gain control over the pain experience may experience

fear-reduction.

• Improving pain predictability, controllability, intensity and back beliefs

may assist in gaining control over the pain experience.

CPD Points: 0.25