Pain intensity, pressure pain hypersensitivity, central sensitization and pain catastrophizing related to vascular alterations in Raynaud’s phenomenon: a preliminary case-control study

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate pain intensity, widespread pressure pain, central sensitization (CS) and catastrophizing between subjects with primary and secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) and healthy controls; and to compare the relationships between vascular impairment and pain perception. Methods. A preliminary case-control study was performed with a total sample of 57 participants (37 with RP). Sociodemographic, clinical/vascular data and pain variables (pain intensity, pressure pain sensitivity, pain magnitude and threshold, CS and catastrophizing) were registered. Results were analysed by ANOVA and Pearson correlation. Results. Participants with RP had lower basal temperature (more vasoconstriction) in their hands (P≤0.012); higher pain intensity (P≤0.001); higher electrical pain magnitude (P˂0.001) and lower pressure pain (P≤0.05) and electrical pain (P˂0.001) thresholds in comparison to healthy controls. Secondary RP participants showed a significantly higher level of CS compared to controls and Primary RP participants (P=0.001). Catastrophizing was higher in Primary and Secondary RP (P≤0.001) groups than controls. No correlations were observed between severity of vasoconstriction and pain variables. Conclusions. RP participants showed lower hands temperature and bilateral hypersensitivity to pressure pain. The severity of vascular alterations seems not to be related to central pain experiences; nevertheless additional mechanisms such as catastrophizing may influence pain in RP patients. Central sensitization only appears to be involved in the secondary form of RP.