THE BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MODEL OF CHRONIC PAIN: EPIDEMIOLOGY, MECHANISMS, AND PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/3041-2005/2025-3.13Keywords:
chronic pain, biopsychosocial model, multidisciplinary approach, epidemiology, psychosocial factorsAbstract
A systematic review of contemporary scientific literature on the problem of chronic pain (CP) was conducted. Its global prevalence is steadily increasing, particularly among middle-aged and older populations. This trend is driven by an aging population, rising population numbers, and the influence of modifiable risk factors like obesity, low physical activity, and smoking. Epidemiological data show a consistent rise in the absolute number of chronic pain cases between 1990 and 2021. Chronic low back pain is the leading cause of disability, with its highest prevalence observed in the 40–69 age group. Women report chronic pain more frequently than men, especially in the neck and pelvic regions, which may be attributed to both biological and social factors. Low levels of education and income, as well as limited access to healthcare resources, correlate with a higher incidence of chronic pain. The current understanding of CP is based on the biopsychosocial model, which integrates biological, psychological, and social factors. This approach recognizes that the chronification of pain results from a complex interaction of peripheral and central neurophysiological mechanisms, psycho-emotional states (depression, anxiety, catastrophizing), and social context. The study’s relevance is due to the growing prevalence of chronic pain, its significant impact on health and social well-being, and the need for a deeper understanding of the interplay of these factors. This research confirms that chronic pain is a multifactorial phenomenon best explained within the biopsychosocial model. Effective management of CP requires a comprehensive approach that considers these interconnected biological, psychological, and social determinants, enabling the development of more effective therapeutic strategies to improve patients’ quality of life.
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