Central sensitization and beliefs among patients with chronic pain in a primary health care unit

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The pain that persists for more than three months is classified as chronic pain. Current studies suggest the existence of a dynamic relationship between biological changes, psychological state, and social context within the pain phenomenon and its chronicity. Central sensitization can be defined as the amplification of the neural signaling within the central nervous system that causes pain hypersensitivity, characterized by overlapping symptoms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the central sensitization, dysfunctional beliefs and other variables such as self-perception about sleep quality in a group of patients with chronic pain. METHODS: The patients answered sociodemographic questions , questions about pain-related habits and beliefs, and completed the central sensitization questionnaire. RESULTS: The 30 participants involved in the study had a mean value of 49.86±16.14 for central sensitization, as well as a high presence of dysfunctional beliefs and poor sleep self-perception. CONCLUSION: The need for a biopsychosocial look aiming to investigate the beliefs and level of central sensitization of patients with chronic pain is becoming increasingly necessary, as it is essential to understand the socioeconomic conditions of each individual for better evaluation and management. An initial educational approach in an easy language that stimulated the reflection and participation of patients to understand their symptoms was well accepted by these patients.