Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2022 Sep 1;38(9):551-561.
doi: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000001054.

Childhood Adversity Among Adults With Chronic Pain: Prevalence and Association With Pain-related Outcomes

Julia R Craner  1   2 , Eric S Lake  1   2 , Aex C Barr  1   2 , Krissa E Kirby  1 , Mariceli O'Neill  1
Affiliations

Childhood Adversity Among Adults With Chronic Pain: Prevalence and Association With Pain-related Outcomes

Julia R Craner et al. Clin J Pain. .

Abstract

Objectives: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to the development and impact of chronic pain in adulthood. The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ACEs in a treatment-seeking sample of adults with chronic pain and the relationship between number and type(s) of ACEs and pain-related outcomes.

Methods: Adults (N=1794) presenting for treatment at a multidisciplinary pain management center completed self-report measures of childhood adversity, pain, functioning, emotional distress, and adjustment to pain.

Results: Participants endorsing ≥4 ACEs had significantly worse pain-related outcomes and lower quality of life compared with individuals reporting fewer ACEs. Having ≥3 ACEs was associated with higher anxiety and depression levels. Experiences of childhood neglect negatively affected mental health-related outcomes independent of the number of ACEs. Significant sex differences were found in the number and type of ACEs reported but not in the relationship between ACEs and outcome variables.

Conclusion: Findings suggest that the number and the type of self-reported ACE(s) are associated with pain-related variables and psychosocial functioning in adults with chronic pain. The results highlight the importance of assessment of ACEs and trauma-informed care with patients with chronic pain.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

    1. Jones CM, Merrick MT, Houry DE. Identifying and preventing adverse childhood experiences: implications for clinical practice. JAMA. 2020;323:25–26.
    1. Jackson WC. Connecting the dots: how adverse childhood experiences predispose to chronic pain. Pract Pain Manag. 2020;20:24–28.
    1. Tietjen GE, Brandes JL, Peterlin BL, et al. Childhood maltreatment and migraine (part III). Association with comorbid pain conditions. Headache. 2010;50:42–51.
    1. Felitti VJ, Anda RF, Nordenberg D, et al. Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. Am J Prev Med. 1998;14:245–258.
    1. Anda RF, Felitti VJ, Bremner JD, et al. The enduring effects of abuse and related adverse experiences in childhood: a convergence of evidence from neurobiology and epidemiology. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2006;256:174–186.