References

References on Pain Reprocessing Therapy, Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy, and additional techniques for treating chronic pain.

Please find below a list of select references that use neuroimaging and various experimental techniques to provide insights into the brain’s role in pain modulation and pain perception, as well as references that uncover the relationship between emotions and physical pain, especially in the context of chronic pain. 

Ashar, Y. K., et al. (2021). Effect of Pain Reprocessing Therapy vs Placebo and Usual Care for Patients With Chronic Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 

Lumley, M. A., Schubiner, H., Lockhart, N. A., Kidwell, K. M., Harte, S. E., Clauw, D. J., & Williams, D. A. (2017). Emotional awareness and expression therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and education for fibromyalgia: a cluster-randomized controlled trial. Pain, 158(12), 2354-2363.

Yarns, B. C., Jackson, N. J., Alas, A., Melrose, R. J., Lumley, M. A., & Sultzer, D. L. (2024). Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy vs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain in Older Veterans: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open, 7(6).

Meehan, E., & Carter, B. (2020). Moving With Pain: What Principles From Somatic Practices Can Offer to People Living With Chronic Pain. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 620381.

Rethorn, Z. D., Pettitt, R. W., Dykstra, E., & Pettitt, C. D. (2020). Health and Wellness Coaching Positively Impacts Individuals with Chronic Pain and Pain-Related Interference. PLOS ONE, 15(7).

References on the role of the brain in chronic pain

Please find below a list of select references that use neuroimaging and various experimental techniques to provide insights into the brain’s role in pain modulation and pain perception, as well as references that uncover the relationship between emotions and physical pain, especially in the context of chronic pain. 

Moseley GL, Flor H. "Targeting cortical representations in the treatment of chronic pain: a review." Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair. 2012 Mar;26(6):646-52. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair.

  • Explores how manipulating cortical representations—the brain's maps of body parts and sensations—can be used to treat chronic pain. It reviews various techniques that aim to alter these brain maps to reduce pain perception and improve function.

Woolf, C. J. (2011). Central sensitization: Implications for the diagnosis and treatment of pain. Pain, 152(3), S2-S15.

  • Focuses on central sensitization, a key concept in understanding how pain is generated and perpetuated in the brain.

Apkarian, A. V., Baliki, M. N., & Geha, P. Y. (2009). Towards a theory of chronic pain. Progress in Neurobiology, 87(2), 81-97.

  • Discusses the brain-based theories of chronic pain and how pain is a complex interplay of various brain processes.

Tracey, I., & Mantyh, P. W. (2007). The cerebral signature for pain perception and its modulation. Neuron, 55(3), 377-391.

  • Explores the neural networks involved in pain perception and how they can be modulated.

Seminowicz, D. A., & Moayedi, M. (2017). The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in acute and chronic pain. The Journal of Pain, 18(9), 1027-1035.

  • Investigates the role of the prefrontal cortex in acute and chronic pain and how cognitive processes influence pain perception.

Wager, T. D., Rilling, J. K., Smith, E. E., Sokolik, A., Casey, K. L., Davidson, R. J., ... & Cohen, J. D. (2004). Placebo-induced changes in FMRI in the anticipation and experience of pain. Science, 303(5661), 1162-1167.

  • This study used functional MRI to demonstrate that the brain's response to pain can be influenced by placebo effects.

Turk, D. C., & Okifuji, A. (2002). Psychological factors in chronic pain: Evolution and revolution. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70(3), 678-690.

  • This paper discusses the psychological factors contributing to chronic pain and highlights the role of emotions in the experience and maintenance of pain.

Gatchel, R. J., & Turk, D. C. (2008). Psychological approaches to pain management: A practitioner's handbook. Guilford Press.

  • This comprehensive handbook covers various psychological approaches to pain management and emphasizes the influence of emotions on pain perception and treatment.

Sullivan, M. J., Thorn, B., Haythornthwaite, J. A., Keefe, F., Martin, M., Bradley, L. A., ... & Lefebvre, J. C. (2001). Theoretical perspectives on the relation between catastrophizing and pain. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 17(1), 52-64.

  • This paper explores the concept of catastrophizing, which is an emotional response to pain characterized by intense negative emotions and distorted thinking. It examines how catastrophizing can contribute to the experience of pain.

Affleck, G., Tennen, H., Urrows, S., Higgins, P., Mendelson, D., & Cartee, R. (1998). Often providing valuable clues: The relationship between chronic pain and daily mood. Pain, 76(1-2), 127-135.

  • This study investigates the daily fluctuations in mood and their association with chronic pain, shedding light on the connection between emotional states and pain intensity.