Comparisons Between Persons with Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions with or without Abdominal/Pelvic Pain: Does Pain Location Make a Difference?

Persons with chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) present with widespread pain without evidence of tissue damage. There has been little attention given to understand how visceral and pelvic pain can amplify symptoms of persons with COPCs. The aim of this study was to examine differences between those with COPCs who identified experiencing visceral and pelvic pain vs. those who did not. Baseline data of one hundred (N=100) individuals who met criteria for multiple pain conditions and hypersensitivity based on quantitative sensory testing (QST) were analyzed as part of a randomized double-blind trial of an external stimulator. Thirty-three subjects (33%) identified having chronic abdominal and pelvic pain. The average age was 49.9±16.9 and majority were female (87%), White (71%), and unemployed (65%). No differences were found between groups on gender, race, ethnicity, marital status, education, or employment status. Those who identified having abdominal and pelvic pain as one of their pain areas had greater disability. They reported significantly higher pain intensity (p<.01) and pain interference ratings (p<.05). They had higher pain catastrophizing (p<.05), depression/anxiety ratings (p<.05) and stress (p<.01) compared with those without abdominal/pelvic pain. They reported greater burning sensations (<.05) and heightened sensitivity to hot/cold and light touch (p<.05). They also reported having more hospitalizations (p<.05) and anticipated experiencing more pain with QST (p<.001). This study suggests that those who report abdominal/pelvic pain and meet criteria for COPCs may require a multidisciplinary approach in managing their pain. Funding: Investigator initiated grant from Neurometrix.