Brain Power & Chronic Back Pain Connection in Vacaville

It is no surprise that having chronic back pain in Vacaville can have a negative impact on your life, affecting you both physically and mentally. This can cause a person to experience anxiety and depression, thus preventing them from enjoying everyday life.

Based on the information gathered surrounding chronic back pain, scientists have assumed that the changes happening in the brain are only temporary. However, recent findings have changed that assertion. According to researchers at Northwestern University, they found that chronic back pain can cause long-lasting and significant damage to the brain.

The study has found that any pain that went on for more than six months can increase the aging process of the brain by up to twenty times than it would under normal circumstances.

Shrinking Violet in Vacaville

It is now known that chronic back pain can cause the grey matter to shrink. The grey matter is part of the brain responsible for memory calls and processing information. Chronic back pain can reduce this area of the brain by up to 11% each year you suffer from it. This is an astonishing fact considering that normal aging only reduces grey matter by just 0.5% each year.

A recent study where 26 healthy participants with chronic back pain for a year or more have found that those suffering from it in the form of sciatica have the largest reduction in grey matter. Interestingly, those participants who have the longest history of chronic back pain lose their brain matter by a huge percentage.

Many patients are wondering why chronic back pain can cause a reduction in brainpower and the best answer is that pain pushes the nerve cells to work harder. If the back pain remains untreated, it could become a clinical problem because it can be difficult to treat and will end up being a greater loss of brainpower.

Driven to Distraction

Another research also found that chronic pain can affect your memory and ability to concentrate and focus. This study has found that more than 60% of participants with chronic back pain are having a hard time recalling basic facts or paying attention for a long time.

Researchers tested concentration and memory through a series of computerized tests and neuropsychological exams during days labeled as "pain" and "less pain". Pain days have shown that 67% of participants have exhibited signs of cognitive impairment.

Short-Term Memory

Another theory explaining the cognitive deficits linked to back pain is stress. A stress-inducing pain overrides our ability to focus on the task at hand and recall basic memories.

Researchers have looked at a sample of 100 participants in which their prospective memory has been compared to those with chronic back pain and those with none at all. With the use of a self-reported questionnaire on memory failure, researchers have concluded that significant short-term memory impairment came from those with chronic pain. Long-term memory deficits were not reported.

This information has made chronic back pain riskier than we think. It may not be that severe at first, but you will surely suffer the consequences as it progresses. With that, it's time to get your pain checked by us here at Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine in Vacaville, CA. You can dial (707) 474-5688 and set up an appointment with us today!