The association between adverse childhood experiences and neuroplastic pain in adults

Background: This study aimed to explore the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and neuroplastic musculoskeletal pain in adults, using the ACEs scale and the PPDA (psychophysiologic disorder) symptom checklist, and assess the extent to which ACEs predict PPDA symptom severity. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional design was employed using data from 150 adult patients (aged 18–65) with chronic musculoskeletal pain at Recoup Health, Bengaluru, India. Patients had completed the ACE questionnaire and the PPDA Checklist. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship. Results: A strong positive correlation was found between ACE and PPDA scores (Spearman’s rho = 0.852, p < .001). Regression analysis revealed that ACEs significantly predicted PPDA symptoms (R = 0.525, R² = 0.276, p < .001), accounting for 27.6% of the variance in symptoms. Conclusions: Childhood adversity significantly correlates with and predicts neuroplastic pain severity. The findings support integrating trauma-informed psychological care in chronic pain management.

Dr. Deepak Sharan is a Consultant in Orthopedic Surgery, Rehabilitation, Ergonomics, Occupational Health, Functional and Lifestyle Medicine, and the Founder and CEO of RECOUP Health, Bengaluru, India. He is the Chairperson of the Scientific Committee on Musculoskeletal Disorders of the International Commission on Occupational Health and the President of the International Myopain Society. He has over 600 International scientific publications and conference presentations. He is the winner of the National Disability Award and the world’s highest Research Awards in Orthopedics and Pediatric Orthopedics. He has successfully treated over 1 million patients from 45 countries. He is the Ergonomics and Occupational Health Consultant to several Fortune 500 companies.