Title

Tactile thresholds are preserved yet complex sensory function is impaired over the lumbar spine of chronic non-specific low back pain patients: A preliminary investigation

Authors

Benedict M. Wand, University of Notre Dame AustraliaFollow
Flavia Di Pietro
Pamela George, University of Notre Dame AustraliaFollow
Neil E. O'Connell

Publication Details

Wand, B. M., Di Pietro, F., George, P., & O'Connell, N. E. (2011). Tactile thresholds are preserved yet complex sensory function is impaired over the lumbar spine of chronic non-specific low back pain patients: A preliminary investigation. Australian Pain Society 31st Annual Scientific Meeting.

Abstract

Evidence indicates that chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is associated with alteration in the brain’s cortical representation of the back, resulting in body perception disturbance and contributing to the condition [1,2]. This study investigated perception via ‘cortical’ sensory tests, in this case two-point discrimination and graphaesthesia—whose results partly depend on the integrity of cortical representation [2]. The hypothesis was dysfunction in these higher-order tasks, with simple tactile thresholds remaining unchanged. Furthermore a relationship between cortical sensation and severity of the condition was predicted.

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The Authors:

Dr Benedict Wand

Ms Pamela George