Chronic widespread pain and increased mortality: biopsychosocial interconnections

Abstract

Chronic widespread pain (CWP) is associated with excess mortality. Robust evidence is provided in ARD by a study that included over half a million participants and a meta-analysis.1 This adds to the (already overwhelming) recognised burden of CWP and imposes an additional urgency in improving our understanding and management of the condition. Reducing excess mortality in patients with chronic pain requires an accurate knowledge of relevant mechanisms and mediators. Previous research and this new study indicate that this excess mortality is, to a large extent, explained by lifestyle factors such as decreased physical activity, increased body mass index, unhealthy diets and smoking. In this editorial, we will offer arguments and evidence emphasising the need to also take account of psychological factors to explain the link between CWP and early death.