ALEXITHYMIA IN CHRONIC AND ACUTE NON-SPECIFIC CERVICAL AND BACK PAIN


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Abstract

Alexithymia (difficulty of verbalization of sensations) is currently considered as a factor aggravating the course of somatic diseases, including musculoskeletal pain. Objective: to determine the frequency of occurrence of alexithymia in patients with nonspecific pain in the neck and back and its association with the clinical features of pain. Contingent and examination methods: 156 patients aged 18-50 years (mean age 38.2 ± 10.1 years), 89 women and 67 men who applied to medical institutions for axial pain (paravertebral localization of pain) in the neck, thoracic region spine and lumbar region. Research methods: Toronto alexithymia scale, visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain, VAS influence of pain on disability, VAS life satisfaction, hospital scale of depression and anxiety, index of widespread pain. Results: patients with alexithymia and acute pain had statistically significantly higher rates for VAS (pain intensity), disability index and hospital anxiety and depression scale, and significantly lower life satisfaction index than non-alexithymic patients. The same pattern was found in the subgroup of patients with chronic pain. Conclusions: comorbidity of alexithymia, acute and chronic pain, anxiety and depression makes it advisable to register this phenomenon in the clinic to predict the disease and to develop further ways to overcome the problem.

About the authors

Radiy G Esin

Kazan State Medical Academy

Email: radyesin@gmail.com
Russia, Butlerov Str. 36, Kazan, 420012

Elena A Gorobets

Kazan (Volga region) Federal University

Kremlyovskaya Str. 18, Kazan, Russian Federation, 420008

Ilshat K Khairullin

Kazan (Volga region) Federal University

Kremlyovskaya Str. 18, Kazan, Russian Federation, 420008

Oleg R Esin

Kazan (Volga region) Federal University

Kremlyovskaya Str. 18, Kazan, Russian Federation, 420008

Alla I Fedorenko

Kazan State Medical Academy

Russia, Butlerov Str. 36, Kazan, 420012

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Copyright (c) 2018 Esin R.G., Gorobets E.A., Khairullin I.K., Esin O.R., Fedorenko A.I.

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