Effect of preoperative Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) on postoperative pain, pain cognition and readiness towards physiotherapy in patients undergoing spinal laminectomy: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Spinal laminectomy is a frequent surgical intervention following which, patients often experience intense pain and maladaptive pain cognitions which can significantly delay their postoperative rehabilitation and recovery. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of providing preoperative Pain Neuroscience Education to these patients. The primary goal is to evaluate how this targeted educational intervention affects the patients postoperative pain intensity, pain cognitions and their readiness to engage in physiotherapy.

Participants scheduled for a spinal laminectomy will be recruited and allocated to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group will receive a specific educational session focused on the neurophysiological processes of pain prior to their surgery. This intervention aims to alter maladaptive pain beliefs and reduce fear avoidance behaviors. The control group will receive standard preoperative education and routine instructions.

Outcomes will be measured using standardized tools including pain catastrophisation questionnaire, Tampa scale of kinesiophobia, fear avoidance beliefs questionnaire and the revised neurophysiology of pain questionnaire to assess cognitive shifts alongside standard pain scales. The study hypothesizes that patients receiving the preoperative Pain Neuroscience Education will demonstrate decreased pain levels, improved pain cognition and a higher readiness for early mobilization compared to the control group. Ultimately this study seeks to determine if integrating this educational component can optimize surgical outcomes, pain cognitions and enhance adherence to physical therapy.