Effect of pain neuroscience education in individuals with low back pain – A pilot feasibility study

Objectives Pain neuroscience education (PNE) is an approach to managing low back pain. PNE helps individuals to understand the nature of an individual’s pain and the factors that contribute to it. It is based on the idea that chronic pain is not simply a result of tissue damage, but it is also because of complex interactions between the nervous system, the brain, and various environmental and psychological factors that contribute to pain. Understanding these interactions, which are involved through PNE, empowers individuals with spine pain to better cope and manage their pain. The broad aim of the study is to investigate the effect of pain neuroscience education in individuals with low back pain. Material and Methods Individuals with low back pain were recruited for this study. Aged 30 to 50 years of both genders. The participants were randomized into two groups, one group being given PNE along with standardized exercises and the other being given only standardized exercises. Visual analogue scale (VAS), range of motion of the spine, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) were measured at baseline and end of 5th day of treatment. The data was analyzed using the SPSS 22 version, a widely used statistical software for data analysis in research studies. Results The statistical analysis revealed that there is a significant change in the VAS score and PROMIS 10 score (including physical and mental health subdomains) in the experimental group compared to the control group at the end of the 5 th day. The range of motion didn’t show any significant differences at the end of the 5 th day. Conclusion This study’s results support the use of PNE for spine pain helps in reducing pain ratings, limited knowledge of pain, pain catastrophizing, and fear avoidance behaviour regarding pain. This study showed that the combination of pain neuroscience education along with standardized exercises and treatment was found to be more effective than standard care treatment alone in a short-term follow-up. These findings suggest that future research should explore the long-term effects of PNE and its potential to improve patient outcomes in the field of pain management.