The relationship between chronic musculoskeletal pain, anxiety and mindfulness: Adjustments to the Fear-Avoidance Model of Chronic Pain

Conclusions The present study provides insight into the strength and direction of the relationships between ruminative anxiety, mindfulness and chronic pain in a CMP population, demonstrating the unique associations between specific mindfulness factors and chronic pain elements. Implications It is possible that ruminative anxiety and mindfulness should be added into the Fear-Avoidance Model of Chronic Pain, with ruminative anxiety as a psychological vulnerability and mindfulness as an effective treatment strategy that breaks the cycle of chronic pain. This updated Fear-Avoidance Model should be explored further to determine the specific mechanism of mindfulness on chronic pain and anxiety and which of the five facets of mindfulness are most important to clinical improvements. This could help clinicians develop individualized mindfulness treatment plans for chronic pain patients.
Source: Scandinavian Journal of Pain - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research