DO I HAVE PAIN BECAUSE OF MY GENES?

Genetics can influence how a person experiences pain, how sensitive their nervous system may be, and how they respond to certain treatments. However, genes do not act in isolation and do not determine whether someone will inevitably develop chronic pain.

Research suggests that certain genetic variations may be associated with an increased susceptibility to conditions commonly linked with chronic pain, such as osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia. These variations can influence pain processing pathways, inflammatory responses, and how the brain interprets pain signals.

Genetics may also affect how individuals respond to pain medication, including how effective a medication is and the likelihood of side-effects. This is one reason why pain treatment often needs to be individualised.

Importantly, genetics is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Lifestyle factors, physical health, psychological stress, environment, and past injury all interact with genetic predispositions. Effective pain management therefore requires a holistic, multidisciplinary approach rather than a gene-focused explanation alone.

ARE THERE GENETIC DEVIATIONS KNOWN THAT CAUSE CHRONIC BACK PAIN?

There is no single gene that causes chronic back pain. Chronic back pain is a complex condition influenced by a combination of biological, mechanical, psychological, and lifestyle factors.

Some studies suggest that certain genetic variations may be associated with a higher likelihood of developing back pain. These genes are often related to spinal structure, connective tissue integrity, inflammatory pathways, and nervous system pain processing.

However, having these genetic variations does not mean that a person will develop chronic back pain. Factors such as physical activity, posture, occupational demands, stress levels, sleep quality, and overall health play a substantial role in whether pain develops and how severe it becomes.

For this reason, management of chronic back pain is most effective when it addresses both physical and non-physical contributors, guided by thorough clinical assessment rather than genetic testing alone.

WHAT IS EPIGENETICS AND HOW CAN IT INFLUENCE BACK PAIN OUTCOMES?

Epigenetics refers to changes in how genes are expressed without altering the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors such as physical activity, nutrition, stress, sleep, and exposure to toxins.

In the context of back pain, emerging research suggests that epigenetic mechanisms may influence inflammation, tissue repair, stress responses, and pain sensitivity. This means that while a person’s genetic code cannot be changed, the way their body responds to pain can be influenced by modifiable factors.

Improving outcomes in back pain often involves optimising overall health. This may include regular movement, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, improving sleep, and addressing smoking or other lifestyle risks.

Some mind–body interventions, such as stress reduction strategies and psychological therapies, may help regulate nervous system activity and pain perception. While research in this area is ongoing, addressing both physical and psychological contributors to pain is widely accepted as best practice in chronic pain management.