Meditation and Chronic Pain

Meditation and Chronic Pain refers to research on mindfulness-based interventions for persistent pain conditions.

Summary

MBSR and related programs have been studied across chronic pain conditions including low back pain, fibromyalgia, headache, and neuropathic pain.

Key Findings

Meta-analyses show small-to-moderate improvements in pain intensity and large improvements in pain acceptance and functional disability. Meditation reduces the affective component of pain more than the sensory component. Neural mechanisms involve altered anterior cingulate and insula activation during pain processing.

Methodology

RCTs use MBSR (8-week) or adapted protocols with pain intensity (NRS/VAS) and disability as primary outcomes. Controls include education, relaxation, and usual care.

Limitations

Heterogeneity of pain conditions complicates pooling. Expectancy effects are difficult to control. Many studies rely on self-report outcomes.

Verification Notes

• Hilton et al. (2017) systematic review and subsequent updates are key references.
• Literature reviewed through 2020s.