Psychosocial wellbeing and possible interactions with neck and shoulder pain: Talk at the “Tension field spine” congress in Pörtschach on Wörthersee, 30 June to 02 July 2023

Abstract

Neck and shoulder problems are among the most common musculoskeletal pain disorders in modern society. In addition to general risk factors such as female gender, length of daily computer/mobile phone use, lack of physical activity and the presence of similar pain in the past, psychosocial and emotional risk factors play a major role. Maladaptive attitudes, beliefs, and cognitions regarding expectations of pain, catastrophizing thoughts, and fear-avoidance behavior can negatively influence the occurrence and chronicity of neck and shoulder pain. Inadequate handling of stress in everyday life and in the work context as well as a lack of social support can also manifest as physical pain in the neck and shoulder region. Furthermore, emotional factors such as fear and depression have a mutual influence on pain perception, and have a pain-inducing and maintaining effect. Psychological therapies should help to strengthen psycho-emotional resilience factors and change stress- and pain-related maladaptive coping strategies and beliefs. In particular, implementing cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches into a biopsychosocial concept for the treatment of shoulder and neck pain could promote a targeted improvement in psychosocial wellbeing.