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NoceboNocebo is the opposite of placebo. Instead of causing a positive result, it creates a negative or harmful one. A common example of the nocebo effect is when voodoo or witchcraft practitioners get sick, or die, when they believe they are under a curse.
A famous study showed that people are likely to get sick if they feel they have been exposed to a harmful chemical or infectious agent. Of course, there was no such contamination and the sickness was produced entirely through psychological suggestion. Nocebo and Back PainOne of the most powerful nocebo effects in the field of back pain is a serious diagnosis from a care provider. The words “herniated disc” or “degenerative disc disease” do not have any inherently harmful powers of their own. However, the vision that they create in the mind of the patient is devastating. The patient views themselves as permanently damaged and in serious need of drastic treatment. It is no surprise that a patient's pain gets much, much worse after a diagnostic MRI result. Nocebo is one of the reasons for the modern back pain epidemic.I clearly remember the diagnosis pronounced by my first chiropractor ... "Curvature of the spine and muscle imbalance, requiring ongoing treatment." One of my orthopedic surgeons diagnosed "1 herniated disc, 1 ruptured disc, and severe degenerative disc disease at 3 levels. You will be in care for a long time, maybe forever." Another doctor warned... "You are in need of surgical correction or you will become disabled." Of course my back pain got worse and worse with every negative diagnosis. If these are not examples of nocebo, then I don't know what is... Saying NO to NoceboThis psychological effect of a frightening diagnosis is a prime cause and perpetuator of psychosomatic back pain. Learn the facts about what is actually causing your pain and do not become intimidated or fearful of your future. Worry is a always a condition that intensifies pain. Back pain can cause a patient physical stress, but the psychological nocebo effect can keep that pain going long after the physical body has healed…Nocebo to Back Pain Home 5/19/06 Revised 8/2/08
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