The Effects of Pain Neuroscience Education in a Spanish-Speaking Population

Chronic pain is a topic of discussion that is becoming increasingly prevalent among healthcare professionals. With the ever-growing opioid epidemic, there are a variety of discussions on different modes of treatment other than opioid prescription. Pain neuroscience education, or PNE, is one of these alternative treatment options. PNE focuses on a patient's understanding of pain itself and relates this to the current pain they are experiencing. PNE is often a discussion between provider and patient that utilizes a series of stories, metaphors, and examples where pain is described from a point of view that is not strictly medical. Recent literature suggests there is a lack of knowledge regarding pain in the United States, particularly in the Spanish-speaking population. This population is also less likely to seek a physician's advice for pain management. For these reasons, this study will focus on the Spanish-speaking population within the Winchester community. Due to success within prior PNE studies, this study will be conducted through a classroom lecture. The overarching purpose of this study is to examine the change in knowledge of pain in the Spanish-speaking population immediately following a PNE lecture composed of stories, metaphors, and examples about pain. Because Spanish-speaking individuals are less likely to seek out a medical provider, the study may support an additional treatment option for managing chronic pain. Not only will this provide further research to support the benefits of PNE, but there is the potential to modify a participant's perception of their own pain through this educational lecture.