What’s New in Psychology
Traditional Chinese Practice Can Help with Chronic Pain
Jim Windell
Chronic pain is widespread in the U.S.
In fact, data from the National Health Interview Survey shows that in 2019, 20.4% of adults had chronic pain and 7.4% of adults had chronic pain that frequently limited life or work activities in the past few months. Furthermore, the National Center for Health Statistics reports that chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain both increased with age and were highest among adults aged 65 and over.
Chronic pain that frequently limits life or work activities, often referred to as high-impact chronic pain, are among the most common reasons adults seek medical care. That kind of chronic pain is also associated with decreased quality of life, opioid dependence, and poor mental health.
Finally, chronic pain is common among military veterans with between 40 and 70% of this population experiencing chromic pain and disability. Up to 75% of older veterans report chronic pain, while younger veterans and those from recent conflicts face more severe pain. Back pain is among the most common types of chronic pain among veterans.
Given these statistics on chronic pain, researchers from Florida Atlantic University conducted a pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of qigong on biopsychosocial outcomes in veterans with chronic low back pain. Qigong (pronounced “chee-gung”) is a traditional Chinese practice that combines gentle movements, controlled breathing and meditation to cultivate and balance the body’s energy, often referred to as “qi” or “life force.”
The Florida Atlantic University research team designed a novel qigong program for this research in which the program was specifically applicable to managing chronic low back pain in veterans. The purpose of the eight-week longitudinal study was to evaluate the effects of the qigong intervention on biological, psychological and social measures outcomes in veterans with chronic low back pain compared to a wait-list control group.
Specifically, researchers assessed how the intervention impacted physical function, sleep disturbance, PTSD, depression, anxiety, positive affect, and social roles and activities. These assessments were conducted at multiple points during the study to measure the program’s preliminary effectiveness.
Results of the study, which were published recently in the journal Pain Management Nursing, indicate that all pain-related outcomes (pain intensity, low back pain-related disability, and pain interference) decreased significantly in the qigong group compared to the control group. In addition to chronic pain, sleep disturbance was significantly improved in the qigong group compared to the control group.
According to senior author Cheryl Krause-Parello, Ph.D., “This holistic approach addresses the complex challenges faced by veterans with chronic low back pain without relying on medications.”
Krause-Parello, FAU associate vice president for research and associate executive director and faculty fellow, FAU Institute for Human Health and Disease Intervention, went on to say that “Armed with this knowledge, health care providers, such as nurses and physical therapists, should actively consider incorporating nonpharmacological interventions like qigong into treatment plans to enhance the overall well-being of veterans dealing with chronic low back pain.”
The study also found a significant connection between biological factors, such as inflammation markers, and psychosocial outcomes. For instance, higher levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were strongly associated with poorer physical function. Similarly, the inflammatory marker IL-8 was linked to both pain-related disability and symptoms of PTSD. These findings suggest that inflammation may contribute to both physical and mental health challenges in individuals with chronic conditions.
Qigong is easy to learn, does not require specific sites or equipment, and can be practiced individually or collectively in a variety of styles, from slow, flowing exercises to still meditative postures. It is often used for relaxation, healing or spiritual growth. It is similar in some ways to Tai Chi but is more focused on internal energy work. Regular practice of qigong provides a range of therapy focused on the spine: gentle bending, stretching and strengthening based on the functional integrity of the spine and connective mechanisms.
“Stretching, loosening, strengthening and balancing techniques of qigong may release back tension, ease pain and improve flexibility and alignment,” says Krause-Parello. “Qigong practice can strengthen the musculoskeletal system and improve joint flexibility, motor function and movement coordination. It can activate postural improvements and decrease pain. Importantly, it can improve physical conditions and psychosocial function such as depression and social isolation in veterans with chronic back pain.”
To read the original article, find it with this reference:
Krause-Parello, C. A., Park, J., & Newman, D. (2024). Examining Preliminary Efficacy of a Qigong Intervention in Veterans with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. Pain Management Nursing.
