SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

Social Stigma Worsens Low Back Pain When Patient Perceives High Levels of Injustice



Milwaukee—Many people with chronic low back pain face stigma concerning their condition. Many patients without a known biological cause of their pain may receive less sympathy and help while garnering more dislike than others who have different types of chronic pain. Research shows that even providers may suspect deception by patients about their condition.

Stigma involves being devalued in society, Terence M. Penn, MA, told Pain Medicine News. “Some common societal attitudes