Posted by IsoM on April 7, 2002, at 13:30:35
In reply to Psychological factors in chronic pain , posted by ben on April 7, 2002, at 6:31:40
Ben, what it says is that the studies were small & that evidence was limited that showed people developed pain in NEW locations (but old painful spots in their bodies were still bothersome).
I think it's *quite encouraging* as it says, too, that psychological factors (like depression, anxiety, traumatic childhood, etc) DOESN'T mean that those who have pain & disabilities will have more problems recovering than those who have a happy life & good childhood. Depressed, anxious people AREN'T condemned to suffer more than well-adjusted people with their pain.
It says mental/emotional problems MIGHT come from chronic pain. But just as easily, mental/emotional problems MIGHT already be there before chronic pain develops. The relationship between the two aren't as clear-cut as once thought - i.e. that chronic pain always makes you depressed and/or depressed people always develop chronic pain.
Or has my explanation been too verbiose & only served to confuse you more? I hope not.
poster:IsoM
thread:102232
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020402/msgs/102262.html