What question did this study set out to answer?

To investigate grey matter alterations in individuals with untreated mild to moderate chronic low back pain and their association with pain severity.

April 10, 2026Open Access

Distinct Grey Matter Alterations in Untreated Mild to Moderate Chronic Low Back Pain: A Longitudinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Key Points

To investigate grey matter alterations in individuals with untreated mild to moderate chronic low back pain and their association with pain severity.
Longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment
Measured grey matter density in specific brain regions
Analyzed the correlation between pain severity and brain structure
Increased grey matter density observed in frontal and temporal regions
Inverse relationship identified between pain severity and parietal grey matter
Right inferior parietal lobule linked as a neural marker of symptom intensity

Abstract

This study demonstrates that individuals with mild, unmedicated chronic low back pain show increased grey matter density in frontal and temporal regions and a robust inverse association between pain severity and parietal grey matter. By identifying the right inferior parietal lobule as a neural marker linked to symptom intensity, these findings refine our understanding of pain-related brain plasticity, highlight structural correlates present even in less severe clinical populations, and suggest novel targets for early intervention strategies in chronic pain.

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Discussion

Authors

Monica Sean

Samantha Côté

Alexia Coulombe‐Lévêque

Journals

European Journal of Pain

Actions

Institutions

Université de Sherbrooke

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke

Health and Social Services Centre University Institute of Geriatrics of Sherbrooke

Distinct Grey Matter Alterations in Untreated Mild to Moderate Chronic Low Back Pain: A Longitudinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Key Points

Abstract

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Discussion

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