Mindfulness Meditation for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review
Margaret Maglione, Susanne Hempel, Alicia Ruelaz Maher, Eric Apaydin, Brett A. Ewing, Lara Hilton, Lea Xenakis, Roberta M Shanman, Sydne J Newberry, Benjamin Colaiaco, Melony E. Sorbero
RAND Corporation eBooks January 1, 2016 DOI: 10.7249/rr1317 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that mindfulness meditation interventions, used alone or alongside other treatments, may reduce chronic pain in adults. The evidence suggests modest improvements in pain severity and physical function compared to usual care or no treatment, though the certainty of the evidence is limited by small sample sizes and variability across studies. No serious safety concerns were reported. The review highlights the need for larger, more rigorous trials to confirm these findings and better understand which patients benefit most.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Adults with chronic pain |
| Intervention | Mindfulness meditation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindfulness meditation Psychotherapist Psychological intervention Chronic pain Randomized controlled trial |
| Citations | 6 |
| Key finding | Mindfulness meditation interventions may modestly reduce chronic pain severity and improve physical function in adults, but evidence certainty is limited. |
Abstract
RAND researchers conducted a systematic review that synthesized evidence from randomized controlled trials of mindfulness meditation interventions — used adjunctively or as monotherapy — to provide estimates of their efficacy and safety in alleviating chronic pain in adults.