UC San Diego study links movement-triggered chronic back pain to the brain's sense of self and explores mindfulness and psilocybin

A UC San Diego observational brain imaging study suggests that movement-triggered flares of chronic low back pain engage the brain's Default Mode Network, which is associated with self-reflection, identity, memories, and emotions. In 114 patients, a leg raise test that provoked back pain increased Default Mode Network activity, while an acute heat stimulus reduced it in the expected pattern. Stronger network connections with the primary somatosensory cortex were associated with more severe chronic pain, and heart-rate increases tracked flare intensity. The findings suggest that persistent pain may become linked to anticipation, fear, past experiences, and personal identity, helping explain why treatments focused mainly on pain signaling can provide limited relief. The researchers are investigating mindfulness meditation and psilocybin as approaches that may change the relationship to pain rather than eliminate every pain signal, but the evidence remains preliminary and further clinical trials are needed.