Researchers at the University of Colorado have shown that recognizing pain originates in the brain can help people manage chronic back pain more effectively. In a study conducted through PRT psychotherapy sessions, approximately two-thirds of patients who were informed about the brain’s role reported meaningful reductions in their pain, according to findings published in JAMA Network Open.
The study enrolled more than 150 adults with moderate chronic back pain and split them into two groups. One group received PRT psychotherapy, while the other received standard medical care with placebo injections. PRT therapy centers on explaining how the brain influences bodily pain, reducing fear associated with pain, and addressing negative emotions tied to the condition.
Results showed that around 66% of participants undergoing PRT psychotherapy experienced little to no pain, whereas about 20% in the placebo group reported any improvement. These outcomes highlight the potential impact of reframing pain as a brain-driven experience and using psychological strategies to support physical healing.
Authors noted that informing patients about the brain’s involvement in pain may lower perceived pain levels and enhance coping strategies. The study documented a striking shift in beliefs: before treatment, only 10% of participants understood pain as brain-based, while after PRT sessions, 51% held this view. Importantly, stronger belief in a brain-based cause correlated with greater pain relief, suggesting an actionable link between mindset and physical symptoms.
Researchers emphasized that conventional discussions about pain often focus on biology alone, with the brain’s contribution receiving little attention. They pointed out that overlooking neural factors can influence treatment choices, potentially steering patients toward surgery or ignoring psychological approaches that could aid recovery.
In related findings, earlier work has explored daily activity targets for different health conditions, underscoring the broader importance of mind-body approaches in managing chronic symptoms and supporting long-term well-being.