01/16/2017
Is low back pain all in your brain? A recent study on why some people with back pain recover faster than others suggests that the brain may have something to do with it. Those that recover more slowly show higher levels of activity in the fear producing parts of the brain. This fear plays a part in slowing their recovery because they avoid all activities that might result in pain - including those that may actually help such as exercise or returning to former activities of daily life. The study recommends that education on activity and exercise, such as that provided by a physical therapist, may be helpful in overcoming this fear. Working with a psychologist may also be helpful. (Neural Correlates of Fear of Movement in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain vs. Pain-Free Individuals)
