Comparing Relationships Between Pain Coping Levels and Pain, Functional Capacity, and Disability Among Patients with Fibromyalgia and Healthy Controls

Abstract

We compared the relationships between pain coping levels and pain, functional capacity, and disability among 48 patients with fibromyalgia and 48 healthy control participants. Specific characteristics of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome were documented. Participants were evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Pain Coping Scale (PCQ), Pain Disability Index (PDI), and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). According to the 10 cm long VAS, fibromyalgia patients recorded pain intensity at 7 cm, significantly higher than in the control group ( p < .001). All sub-scores of the PDI score were higher among patients with fibromyalgia compared to controls ( p < .001). Scores on the PCQ score were higher for patients with fibromyalgia than controls on the sub-parameters of helplessness ( p < .001) and medical remedies ( p < .001). Functionality was lower among patients than controls ( p < .001). Pain coping and pain-related disability (in areas of recreation, social activity, sexual behavior, total score) were significantly related in patients with fibromyalgia. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive pain management and customized interventions for fibromyalgia patients to address their elevated pain intensity, reduced functionality, increased pain-related disability, and variable coping mechanisms compared to healthy controls. Understanding these correlations between pain coping strategies, functional status, and disability levels can help optimize treatment approaches and improve the quality of life for individuals living with fibromyalgia.