Personality Influences Chronic Back Pain

30-Second Blog “Snapshot:”

  • A study from Manchester Metropolitan University in England found a patient’s level of anxiety and defensiveness is directly correlated with how they view their chronic pain.
  • Defensive, highly-anxious individuals are more likely to show persistence in the pain management system, according to the study.
  • The pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center explain how personality influences chronic back pain.

The study, conducted by researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University in England, looked into the personality types of 70 test participants. These individuals were separated into 4 groups:

  • Defensive high-anxious (DHA)
  • High-anxious (HA)
  • Repressors (REP)
  • Low-anxious (LA)

During the study, subjects were shown sets of neutral images along with emotion-provoking images that related to back pain. With that, scientists were able to record those who showed bias toward back pain. The authors of the study were able to find some of the following:

  • The HA group did not show bias toward the photos
  • The DHA group differed significantly from the HA and REP groups
  • The authors noted defensiveness plays a key role in attentional bias toward back pain.

“The demonstration of an attentional bias to threatening information could explain why defensive high-anxious individuals are more likely to show persistence in the pain management system,” explained researchers from the study.

The data from this study proves in some capacity that cognitive processes do contribute to pain, which may help physicians find supplemental ways to address chronic back pain in patients. For more information on this study, visit MD Magazine.  

If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With five locations in Utah and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!

The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.