Kabat-Zinn, J., Lipworth, L., Burney, R. and Sellers, W., Four year follow-up of a meditation-based program for the self-regulation of chronic pain: Treatment outcomes and compliance. Clin. J. Pain (1986) 2:159-173.
Abstract:
Two hundred twenty-five chronic pain patients were studied following training in mindfulness meditation.
Large and significant overall improvements were recorded post-intervention in physical and psychological status. These gains were maintained at follow-up in the majority of subjects. Follow-up times ranged from 2.5 to 48 months. Status on the McGill Melzack Pain Rating Index (PRI), however, tended to revert to preintervention levels following the intervention. Most subjects reported a high degree of adherence with the meditation techniques, maintenance of improved status over time, and a high degree of importance attributed to the training program.
We conclude that such training can have long-term benefit for chronic pain patients.
