The fMRI Study of Functional Connectivity in Chronic Low Back Pain

Objective To investigate functional connectivity changes in chronic low back pain in the resting brain by using magnetic resonance imaging. Methods Fifteen patients with chronic low back pain and sixteen healthy volunteers participated in the experiment. MR data acquired in the resting state were analyzed to investigate functional connectivity changes in chronic low back pain patients and controls, while bilateral posterior anterior cingulated cortex were chosen as seed point. Results Compared to control group, functional connectivity in chronic low back pain patients is abnormal, including decreased functional connectivity and increased functional connectivity. The brain area of decreased functional connectivity includes bilateral calcarine, bilateral medial frontal gyrus, left precentral gyrus and postcentral gyrus, right middle and posterior cingulate gyrus. The brain area of increased functional connectivity includes right insula, left inferior frontal gyrus and left superior temporal gyrus. Conclusion Functional connectivity between some brain areas with posterior anterior cingulated cortex is abnormal in chronic low back pain patients.