Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) combined with Mindfulness: Combining the Cognitive Learning of PNE with Body-Based Calming Techniques

Abstract

Chronic pain in the muscles and joints is a long-lasting condition that not only makes it hard to move, but also impacts your mental health and overall quality of life. Traditional physiotherapy often just looks at the physical effects of pain and ignores how it affects the mind and emotions. This study examined the efficacy of integrating Pain Neuroscience training (PNE) with mindfulness-based body-calming techniques for individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain, in comparison to standard physiotherapy. A quasi-experimental approach was used, with 60 people randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=30) or the control group (n=30). The experimental group participated in organised PNE sessions integrated with mindfulness techniques, whereas the control group underwent standard physiotherapy. We used reliable tools like the numeric damage Score Test (NPRS), Pain Overwhelming Scale, Oswestry Region Rehabilitation Index, emotional strain Scale, Five Facet Relaxation Assessment, or WHOQOL-BREF to validate the results before and after the interventions. The interventions lasted for eight weeks. The results indicate that the experimental group did far better in all areas, with large effect sizes for stress management, pain relief, catastrophising, mindfulness, and quality of life. The control group showed very little change in contrast. These findings indicate the necessity of employing both cognitive and experiential approaches for pain management. The integrated intervention provides a comprehensive, economical, and patient-centered approach that can improve rehabilitation results for individuals with chronic pain.