European journal of pain : EJP
-
There is significant evidence to suggest that psychological and stress-related factors are important predictors of the onset of chronic widespread pain (CWP) and fibromyalgia (FM). The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, together with the efferent sympathetic/adrenomedullary system, influence all body organs (including muscles) during short- and long-term threatening stimuli. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between genetic variants in adrenergic candidate genes and chronic musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs) in adolescents. ⋯ Both female gender and poor mental health were associated with (1) an increased risk for chronic, disabling comorbid neck and low back pain (CDCP); and (2) an increase in the number of areas of pain. Of the 14 SNPs evaluated, only SNP rs2053044 (ADRB2, recessive model) displayed an association with CDCP [odds ratio (OR) = 2.49; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.25, 4.98; p = 0.01] and pain in three to four pain areas in the last month (OR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.13, 3.06; p = 0.02). These data suggest that genetic variants in ADRB2 may be involved in chronic MSCs.
-
Empathy is considered as both a characteristic trait and a variable state. The present experiment examined whether or not prior exposure to pain, perceived similarity, sex and attributed pain intensity are associated with state empathy for pain. ⋯ Greater degrees of perceived similarity, being female and higher estimated pain were linked to a stronger 'emotional reaction', whereas previous exposure to pain facilitated 'perspective taking'. Pointing out similarities between people and their past experiences, as well as focusing on the imagined discomfort being felt by another person, may modulate empathy for pain.
-
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies are increasingly employed in different conscious states. Autogenic training (AT) is a common clinically used relaxation method. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cerebral modulation of pain activity patterns due to AT and to correlate the effects to the degree of experience with AT and strength of stimuli. ⋯ This study revealed an effect on cerebral pain processing while performing AT. This might represent the cerebral correlate of different painful stimulus processing by subjects who are trained in performing relaxation techniques. However, due to the absence of a control group, further studies are needed to confirm this theory.
-
Pain is a one of the most disturbing non-motor symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD). The susceptibility to pain varies substantially among patients with PD. The aim of this study was to assess a potential association of genetic variants to PD-related pain. ⋯ Variants within in the SCN9A and FAAH genes were associated with the risk of pain in PD patients. These findings may contribute to our understanding of pain mechanisms of PD and to direct future therapies.
-
Growing pains (GP) is a prevalent familial childhood disorder of unknown aetiology. Familial occurrence of GP, and individual and familial association of GP with restless legs syndrome (RLS) has been reported. ⋯ This first twin family study of GP provides evidence for a genetic aetiology and for a genetic relationship to RLS.