A New Perspective On Two Chronic Pain Aspects: Overactivity Behavior, Activity Pacing

Conclusion

These findings and the basic concepts of overactivity behavior, pain persistence, and activity pacing are important for anyone dealing with chronic pain to recognize and understand.

Most people who have worked with individuals with chronic pain would know that there is no quick fix, and people can have major setbacks after making substantial functional gains. We are continuing to look at how much activity is too much and how overactivity can be determined and assessed clinically,” said Andrews.

Overactivity behavior may be deeply rooted. It may be very destructive, and it may be hard to treat. Activity pacing may help, but it takes effort. As the title of the study says, “It’s very hard to change yourself.”¹

Reference

1. Andrews N, et al. Pain. 2015; doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000161.

2. Hasenbring M, et al. Pain. 2015; doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000179.