Cited by 208Mindfulness and Compassion InterventionsMusculoskeletal pain and rehabilitationPain Management and Placebo Effect

Do mindfulness-based interventions reduce pain intensity? A critical review of the literature

Reiner, Keren, Tibi, Lee, Lipsitz, Joshua D.·2013·Pain Medicine

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) emphasizing a nonjudgmental attitude toward present moment experience are widely used for chronic pain patients. Although changing or controlling pain is not an explicit aim of MBIs, recent experimental studies suggest that mindfulness practice may lead to changes in pain tolerance and pain intensity ratings. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to investigate the specific effect of MBIs on pain intensity. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using the databases PUBMED and PsycINFO for relevant articles published from 1960 to December 2010. We additionally conducted a manual search of references from the retrieved articles. Only studies providing detailed results on change in pain intensity ratings were included. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included in this review (eight uncontrolled and eight controlled trials). In most studies (10 of 16), there was significantly decreased pain intensity in the MBI group. Findings were more consistently positive for samples limited to clinical pain (9 of 11). In addition, most controlled trials (6 of 8) reveal higher reductions in pain intensity for MBIs compared with control groups. Results from follow-up assessments reveal that reductions in pain intensity were generally well maintained. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that MBIs decrease the intensity of pain for chronic pain patients. We discuss implications for understanding mechanisms of change in MBIs.

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Crossref · 10.1111/pme.12006

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Authors
Reiner, K., Tibi, L., & Lipsitz, J. D.
Affiliations
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (IL)
Corresponding author
Lipsitz, Joshua D.
Venue
Pain Medicine
Published
2013-02
Volume
14
Issue
2
Pages
230-242
ISSN
  • 1526-2375 (ISSN-L)
  • 1526-4637
OpenAlex
W1480988304
Cited by
208
References
76
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 25 · 2019: 17 · 2018: 24 · 2017: 23 · 2016: 25 · 2015: 19 · 2014: 12 · 2013: 4
FWCI
1.63
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Pain Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • HighWire Press Open Archive (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Pain Management and Placebo Effect
Keywords
mindfulness-based interventions, pain intensity, chronic pain, pain tolerance, nonjudgmental acceptance, mechanisms of change
MeSH terms
Humans, Pain Measurement, Relaxation Therapy, Treatment Outcome, Meditation, Pain Management

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