Critical Life Events in the Developement of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain : Results of a qualitative study

Schmerz. 2026 Oct 8. doi: 10.1007/s00482-026-00978-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain is highly relevant for health services. Scientific data show the relevance of psychosocial factors; however, these factors are often ignored in primary diagnostics and therapy.

AIM: The aim of the study was to explore, through semi-structured interviews, which critical life events as well as psychosocial and occupational factors patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain reported in temporal association with the onset or progression of their pain. In addition, the study aimed to examine the extent to which patients' subjective causal attributions differed from the findings of the interdisciplinary multimodal assessment.

METHOD: Qualitative study. Semi structured interviews with patients with chronic pain of the locomotor system. Codes for relevant factors were developed and assigned to patient quotes from the interviews.

RESULTS: Several differences occurred between patients' assumptions of causes of pain of the loco motor system and the results of the interdisciplinary assessment. In particular, the assessment of physical fitness and the influence of psychosocial factors were different between patients and specialists. Furthermore, evidence of a high relevance of psychosocial factors and critical life events could be shown.

DISCUSSION: A good clinical history including psychosocial factors and critical life events as well as early patient education is essential in the initial therapy of patients with pain of the locomotor system.

PMID:42850308 | DOI:10.1007/s00482-026-00978-x