The Fear-Avoidance Model of Musculoskeletal Pain: Current State of Scientific Evidence

Leeuw M, Goossens M, Linton S , Crombez G, Boersma K and Vlaeyen J

Fear avoidance is an important consideration in the development of chronic low back pain.
This article is a review of the latest evidence for various components of the fear avoidance model including pain severity, catasrophizing, attention to pain, avoidance behavior, disability, disuse and vulnerability. The article offers support for the contribution of fear avoidance to the development of chronic lower back pain.

Journal of Behavioral Medicine, Vol 30, No 1, Feb 2007

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