Chronic pain in the time of COVID-19: Stress aftermath and central sensitization.

Abstract

Objectives.The COVID-19 crisis is a significant stressor worldwide. The physical andemotional condition of individuals with pain sensitization syndromes who are experi-encing the pandemic may worsen. This study investigated the contribution of life changesdue to the coronavirus to emotional distress in individuals with a diagnosis of chroniccentral sensitization pain and tested whether the associations between level of pain andsensitization were independent of or mediated by emotional distress.Methods.Spanish individuals with chronic pain (N=362) completed an online surveyon direct or indirect exposure to the consequences of COVID-19, pain intensity, andemotional distress. They also completed central sensitization questionnaires.Results.An association was found between changes in daily routines and pain intensity,emotional distress, and sensitization scores. Correlations were found between emotionaldistress, sensitization, and pain intensity. Significant predictors of emotional distress wereage, difficulty in receiving medical care, changes in daily routines, and diminished socialsupport. Emotional distress did not mediate the association between sensitization andpain intensity.Conclusion.Due to the COVID-19 situation, individuals with central sensitization painsyndromes may be at higher risk of developing psychological distress. Interdisciplinaryinterventions involving psychologists are urgently needed to provide this population withappropriate health care.