Despite the fact that the quality of studies needs to improve in the future, this umbrella review provides a nice overview of the negative psychological and protective factors that are (seemingly) related to the onset and/ or persistence of musculoskeletal pain. When screening a patient, both th negative as well as the protective factors should be taken into account. These factors can be utilised to make an estimate of the vulnerability for the developing pain and the course of chronic pain. MOre insight in these factors leads to more possibilities for interventions.
Mapping psychological factors can be done based on your anamnesis, supported by diagnostics from questionnaires (see frame). Research shows that negative psychological factors can be influenced with, for instance, education on the neurobiological basis of pain, cognitive behavioural therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. If there are evident psychological factors, patients can be referred to other professionals, such as a family physician and/ or a psychologist, to decrease the odds of the development or persistence of (chronic) pain. In a Dutch report ‘Psychosomatic care in serious somatic disorders’ from 2015 states that the entire care chain is responsible for detecting psychosocial problems. Thus, the physiotherapist potentially has an important role in early detection of psychosocial problems.
Finally, apart from paying attention to negative factors, it is also very meaningful to pay attention to the protective factors for the development and persistence of pain. By discussing these protective factors, patients can be stimulated to continue certain behaviour and thoughts despite their pain.
