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Scientists discover why chronic back pain feels so personal

A surprising discovery at UC San Diego suggests that chronic lower back pain may become deeply embedded in the brain's sense of personal identity. Researchers found that movement-triggered pain activates a brain network associated with self-awareness and memories, even though ordinary acute pain typically shuts this network down. This unexpected difference could explain why conventional pain medications often provide limited relief and why fear, anticipation, and past experiences can intensify chronic pain.

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