New Publication: Predictors of Objective Improvements After Open-Label Placebo in Chronic Back Pain

The Bingel Laboratory

Translational Pain Research Unit

University Medicine Essen
Prof. Dr. Ulrike Bingel

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New Publication: Predictors of Objective Improvements After Open-Label Placebo in Chronic Back Pain

Date: 25th Sep 2025

In a recently published exploratory analysis of our randomized controlled trial, Elif Caliskan and members of our team examined whether psychological and physiological factors predict objective improvements (spinal mobility) after OLP treatment combined with treatment-as-usual. The results indicate that patients with lower pain catastrophizing benefited most, showing increased spinal motion velocity, while those with higher catastrophizing did not. These findings highlight that OLPs may provide measurable benefits for specific patient subgroups, pointing toward the potential of personalized pain medicine. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to better understand the role of psychological factors in chronic pain management. Read the full publication

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The Bingel Laboratory

Prof. Dr. med. Ulrike Bingel

Clinical Neurosciences
University Hospital Essen
Department of Neurology

Hufelandstraße 55
45147 Essen
Germany
Fon: +49 (0) 201 723 - 2446
Fax: +49 (0) 201 723 - 6882
Mail: ulrike.bingel@uk-essen.de

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