Correlation of Central Sensitisation with Psychological Constructs in patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic low back pain is a common condition where pain continues for more than 3 months and may not be explained only by local tissue problems. In many patients, the nervous system becomes overly sensitive and amplifies pain signals, a process called central sensitisation. Psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, and somatic symptom burden may further influence pain severity and disability.

This hospital-based cross-sectional study will be conducted at AIIMS Guwahati among adults aged 18–65 years with chronic low back pain. Central sensitisation will be assessed using the Central Sensitisation Inventory (CSI) and Thermal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) including Warm Detection Threshold, Warm Pain Threshold, and Conditioned Pain Modulation. Psychological constructs will be evaluated using HAM-D, HAM-A, and SSS-8. Correlation between central sensitisation measures and psychological scores will be analysed using appropriate statistical methods.

The study aims to identify the association between altered pain processing and psychological health in chronic low back pain, which may help in improving patient profiling and supporting a more holistic, individualised rehabilitation approach.