ResearchOnline@ND

Authors

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

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

Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

2011

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.

Comments

Further information about this conference may be accessed here

The Authors:

Dr Benedict Wand

Ms Pamela George

Recommended Citation

Wand, B. M., Di Pietro, F., George, P., & O’Connell, N. (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. Paper presented at the Australian Pain Society 31st Annual Scientific Meeting. Darwin, NT.