As per the study published in “Physiotherapy Theory and Practice”, pain neuroscience education offers significant potential as a practical and useful treatment approach for older adults with chronic pain.

Chronic pain due to musculoskeletal disorders is the leading cause of disability in older adults. It significantly reduces the quality of life and increases the incidence of depression, the chance of being institutionalized. With the growing assent of the biopsychosocial model of pain, more focus has been given to interventions which target non-physical aspects of pain. These include interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy, progressive relaxation, and mindfulness meditation. 

Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) aims to change the beliefs of patients with chronic pain. Unlike other educational strategies, PNE focuses on teaching patients about the complex factors which contribute to the development of pain. Therefore, Rufa A et al. conducted this quasi-experimental feasibility study to determine whether adults over the age of 65 with chronic pain find PNE to be understandable, relevant and helpful. Secondly, the association between PNE and changes in disability, fear of movement, and gait speed in older adults.  

Twenty-five subjects aged more than 65 with a history of lower back and lower extremity pain were included in the study. The subjects were given two semi-standardized one-on-one PNE sessions. In between sessions, the patients were given a booklet to read named “Why Do I Hurt, Louw, International Spine and Pain Institute, USA”. After the second session, the subject’s perception of PNE was measured. Gait speed, pain disability and fear of movement were measured pre and post PNE. All the subjects reported favorable outcomes with PNE post-second session.