ADVERTISEMENT
Two distinct mental strategies used to manage pain—focusing attention externally and re-appraising the pain—involve different brain pathways, according to new research using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The study appeared in the journal Anesthesiology (2011, 115 [4], 844–51).
Investigators from Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, wanted to determine whether distinct methods of pain management impacted the same neural pathways. The researchers tested subjects with chronic pain under two separate conditions. For the first analysis, subjects used “external focus of attention” to manage pain by drawing their attention away from their pain and focusing on something else. MRI data showed activity in cortical areas, which are responsible for higher brain functions. In the second condition, study subjects were told to use “re-appraisal”—changing the interpretation of pain from threatening to nonthreatening. For example, a subject re-appraises a situation when he reassures himself that his pain is bearable and he won’t let it stop him from functioning. MRI data for this mental strategy showed activity in deep brain structures, which are related to emotional behavior, and in some cortical regions.
Senior study author Sean C. Mackey, MD, PhD, chief of the division of pain management at Stanford University, said, “Our study helped support that each cognitive strategy may have a unique brain pattern distinct from other strategies.”
Mackey and colleagues believed that their finding might explain why some strategies are more effective for certain patients than others. Limitations of the study were that subjects did not necessarily represent all individuals who suffer from chronic pain and that the sample size was small. More research was recommended.
When you buy something using the retail links in our content, we may earn a small commission. IDEA Health and Fitness Association does not accept money for editorial reviews. Read more about our Terms & Conditions and our Privacy Policy.
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Articles
United to Inspire the World to CHANGE
Dear IDEA Fitness Community, IDEA Health & Fitness Association’s staff and members are united in opposing prejudice, bigotry and racism. We denounce all acts and intents associated with these affronts to…
IDEA World 2020 – Event Status Update (4/14/2020)
Updated: 4/14/2020 It is with a very heavy heart that we must cancel the 2020 IDEA World Convention, July 8-12, in Anaheim, CA. Despite making…
IDEA Editorial Staff
Editor in Chief: Sandy Todd Webster Executive Managing Editor: Katherine Watson Executive Editor: Joy Keller Production Editor: Judy Minich Publications Assistant: Sarah Kolvas Art Director:...
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Stay up tp date with our latest news and products.