{"id":66059,"date":"2026-10-12T07:24:14","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T12:24:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/?p=66059"},"modified":"2026-10-12T07:24:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T12:24:14","slug":"loneliness-and-pain-social-connections-evidence-and-limitations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/loneliness-and-pain-social-connections-evidence-and-limitations\/","title":{"rendered":"Loneliness and Pain: Social Connections, Evidence and Limitations"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/loneliness-and-pain-social-connections-evidence-and-limitations\/#Understanding_social_connections_in_the_experience_of_pain_without_reducing_pain_to_an_emotion\" >Understanding social connections in the experience of pain without reducing pain to an emotion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/loneliness-and-pain-social-connections-evidence-and-limitations\/#Loneliness_isolation_and_support_three_different_concepts\" >Loneliness, isolation and support: three different concepts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/loneliness-and-pain-social-connections-evidence-and-limitations\/#What_large_observational_studies_show\" >What large observational studies show<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/loneliness-and-pain-social-connections-evidence-and-limitations\/#Pain_can_also_contribute_to_loneliness\" >Pain can also contribute to loneliness<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/loneliness-and-pain-social-connections-evidence-and-limitations\/#Which_biological_mechanisms_are_being_considered\" >Which biological mechanisms are being considered?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/loneliness-and-pain-social-connections-evidence-and-limitations\/#Can_the_presence_of_a_loved_one_reduce_pain\" >Can the presence of a loved one reduce pain?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/loneliness-and-pain-social-connections-evidence-and-limitations\/#Support_is_not_always_associated_with_less_pain\" >Support is not always associated with less pain<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/loneliness-and-pain-social-connections-evidence-and-limitations\/#Groups_and_peer_support_what_are_the_benefits\" >Groups and peer support: what are the benefits?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/loneliness-and-pain-social-connections-evidence-and-limitations\/#What_is_established_suggested_or_still_hypothetical\" >What is established, suggested or still hypothetical?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/loneliness-and-pain-social-connections-evidence-and-limitations\/#Moving_from_observation_to_practical_action\" >Moving from observation to practical action<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/loneliness-and-pain-social-connections-evidence-and-limitations\/#A_realistic_role_for_osteopathy\" >A realistic role for osteopathy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/loneliness-and-pain-social-connections-evidence-and-limitations\/#When_should_you_seek_help\" >When should you seek help?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/loneliness-and-pain-social-connections-evidence-and-limitations\/#Key_points\" >Key points<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_social_connections_in_the_experience_of_pain_without_reducing_pain_to_an_emotion\"><\/span>Understanding social connections in the experience of pain without reducing pain to an emotion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Persistent pain can change much more than the way someone walks or sleeps. It can make outings difficult, lead to cancelled plans and create a feeling that other people no longer understand. Conversely, a period of loneliness may be accompanied by a more distressing bodily experience. These observations raise an important question: can social relationships influence pain?<\/p>\n<p>Research shows associations and some experimental effects, but it does not establish that pain is caused by a lack of affection. The contemporary definition of pain recognises a personal experience influenced by biological, psychological and social factors [<a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-1\">1<\/a>]. This broader perspective does not replace diagnosis. It invites us to consider a person&#8217;s circumstances with as much respect as their physical symptoms.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Loneliness_isolation_and_support_three_different_concepts\"><\/span>Loneliness, isolation and support: three different concepts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Loneliness is a mismatch between the connections someone wants and those they experience. Social isolation describes a relative lack of contact or relational resources. Social support refers to the help available or perceived: listening, information, companionship or practical assistance. These concepts overlap without being equivalent [<a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-2\">2<\/a>, <a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-8\">8<\/a>].<\/p>\n<p>Someone can live alone and enjoy satisfying relationships. Someone else can be surrounded by people and feel profoundly lonely. Counting visits is therefore insufficient to understand a situation. A more informative question might be: \u201cIs there someone you can talk to about what you are going through without feeling judged?\u201d The answer cannot be inferred from marital status.<\/p>\n<p>This distinction avoids the simplistic prescription to \u201csee more people\u201d. One person may want more contact, another a more dependable relationship, and a third practical help getting around. The person should identify their own needs; these should not be inferred from their behaviour during a consultation.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/loneliness-isolation-social-support-en.webp\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" alt=\"Osteomag infographic distinguishing loneliness, social isolation and social support.\"\/><figcaption>Loneliness, social isolation and social support describe different dimensions. Distinguishing them helps clarify relational needs [<a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-2\">2<\/a>, <a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-8\">8<\/a>].<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_large_observational_studies_show\"><\/span>What large observational studies show<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>An analysis published in 2025 examined data from more than 250,000 people in 139 countries. Loneliness was associated with a greater likelihood of reporting physical pain, even after accounting for several personal and social characteristics [<a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-2\">2<\/a>]. The strength and characteristics of this association varied across contexts.<\/p>\n<p>However, this was a cross-sectional analysis: loneliness and pain were examined within the same dataset, without establishing which experience came first. Health problems, distress, economic resources and other factors may contribute to both. Statistical adjustment improves the analysis; it does not remove every competing explanation.<\/p>\n<p>It would therefore be incorrect to turn these findings into an individual prediction: a lonely person is not destined to experience more pain. It would be equally incorrect to claim that stronger social connections will make pain disappear. A population-level association raises research questions; it does not identify a definite cause for every patient.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pain_can_also_contribute_to_loneliness\"><\/span>Pain can also contribute to loneliness<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A longitudinal study in older adults found that pain was associated with the subsequent onset of loneliness [<a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-3\">3<\/a>]. Other follow-up studies found that loneliness could precede a group of symptoms including pain, fatigue and depression [<a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-4\">4<\/a>]. Together, these findings suggest relationships that may develop in several directions, without proving the same causal cycle in everyone.<\/p>\n<p>In everyday life, barriers can be very practical: an exhausting journey, an inaccessible activity, concern about slowing down a group, or nowhere to sit. These examples illustrate possible situations; they do not summarise the mechanisms examined in the studies. Above all, they remind us that reduced participation is not always a deliberate withdrawal.<\/p>\n<p>To understand a situation, it may help to ask which activity the person misses most. The answer might be \u201chaving coffee with my sister\u201d, rather than \u201cwalking farther\u201d. The rehabilitation goal then becomes a desired form of participation, with the necessary adaptations, rather than an abstract measure of physical performance alone.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/loneliness-pain-associations-en.webp\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" alt=\"Osteomag infographic showing possible associations between pain and loneliness in both directions, without establishing causation.\"\/><figcaption>The relationship between pain and loneliness may develop in either direction. The observed associations are insufficient to establish causation [<a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-2\">2<\/a>, <a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-3\">3<\/a>, <a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-4\">4<\/a>].<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_biological_mechanisms_are_being_considered\"><\/span>Which biological mechanisms are being considered?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Stress, sleep, attention to threat and some inflammatory processes are being studied as possible pathways linking social circumstances and health. A systematic review with meta-analysis examined associations between loneliness, isolation and inflammatory markers [<a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-5\">5<\/a>]. The findings did not establish a consistent pattern across every marker and population.<\/p>\n<p>A plausible mechanism must be distinguished from an explanation demonstrated for a particular pain problem. A blood test does not reveal \u201cloneliness in the tissues\u201d. Muscle tension cannot measure the quality of relationships either. Biological research explores processes; it does not validate an emotional interpretation of the body through palpation.<\/p>\n<p>Clinically, these possibilities may encourage a more complete assessment of modifiable factors. They must not lead to overlooking a joint, nerve or inflammatory condition, or to assuming that persistent pain originates in difficult social experiences.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_the_presence_of_a_loved_one_reduce_pain\"><\/span>Can the presence of a loved one reduce pain?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A systematic review with meta-analysis of experimental pain suggests that some forms of social support can influence perceived pain or associated responses [<a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-6\">6<\/a>]. However, the situations studied varied: the presence of a loved one, supportive messages, contact, or a representation of another person. \u201cBeing accompanied\u201d is therefore not a single intervention.<\/p>\n<p>A study involving couples also found an association between holding hands, certain patterns of coupled brain activity and reduced experimental pain [<a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-7\">7<\/a>]. This is interesting, but it establishes neither energy transfer nor healing through synchronisation. An association between brain measurements and relief does not, on its own, demonstrate a causal mechanism.<\/p>\n<p>Applying these findings to a consultation requires even more caution. Contact from a familiar partner is not equivalent to a professional&#8217;s touch. Some people find consensual touch pleasant; others find it uncomfortable. The relationship, context and person&#8217;s choice matter. Declining contact is not an obstacle that needs to be \u201ccorrected\u201d.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Support_is_not_always_associated_with_less_pain\"><\/span>Support is not always associated with less pain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A systematic review published in 2025 on social support and chronic pain highlights heterogeneous findings. Associations with pain intensity were inconsistent, and different dimensions of support did not show the same relationships [<a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-8\">8<\/a>]. Some findings related more closely to mental health than to pain itself.<\/p>\n<p>More assistance may also be provided because someone is in greater pain. Observing more help and more pain at the same time does not mean that assistance causes pain. This possibility of reverse causation prevents us from blaming loved ones on the basis of a simple correlation.<\/p>\n<p>In practice, the desired type of help can be discussed. Joining an activity, listening without immediately giving advice, and making a journey easier address different needs. This conversation can respect autonomy while avoiding leaving someone alone with barriers they cannot resolve.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Groups_and_peer_support_what_are_the_benefits\"><\/span>Groups and peer support: what are the benefits?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A meta-analysis of randomised trials of peer support for chronic musculoskeletal pain reported small improvements in some outcomes. The certainty of the evidence was low or very low, and the estimates did not reach the minimum clinically important improvement thresholds used by the authors [<a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-9\">9<\/a>]. Peer support may be a useful addition; it should not be presented as a guaranteed pain treatment.<\/p>\n<p>Programmes intended to reduce loneliness are also diverse. A rapid review of 101 interventions described encouraging findings alongside methodological limitations and a need for further research [<a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-10\">10<\/a>]. Reduced loneliness does not automatically mean reduced pain: these are separate outcomes.<\/p>\n<p>A group may suit one person and not another. Before joining, it is reasonable to consider accessibility, costs, confidentiality and the possibility of participating without sharing intimate experiences. The quality of the welcome and freedom of choice matter as much as the group&#8217;s stated theme.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_established_suggested_or_still_hypothetical\"><\/span>What is established, suggested or still hypothetical?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Level<\/th>\n<th>Cautious conclusion<\/th>\n<th>What it does not establish<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Established<\/td>\n<td>Loneliness, isolation and support describe different dimensions; pain is a personal experience [<a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-1\">1<\/a>, <a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-2\">2<\/a>, <a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-8\">8<\/a>].<\/td>\n<td>A diagnosis based on someone&#8217;s social life.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Suggested<\/td>\n<td>Loneliness and pain are associated; some supportive contexts influence experimental pain [<a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-2\">2<\/a>, <a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-3\">3<\/a>, <a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-4\">4<\/a>, <a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-5\">5<\/a>, <a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-6\">6<\/a>, <a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-7\">7<\/a>].<\/td>\n<td>Universal causation or a guaranteed individual treatment.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Hypothetical in osteopathy<\/td>\n<td>A respectful clinical relationship might help someone participate in an activity they value.<\/td>\n<td>Treating loneliness through touch or releasing emotions from tissues.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Moving_from_observation_to_practical_action\"><\/span>Moving from observation to practical action<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A useful approach begins with the problem the person wants to address. \u201cI no longer see my friends\u201d may reflect a lack of transport, difficulty explaining the pain, significant fatigue or an activity that has become inaccessible. The solutions will differ. Asking what stands in the way avoids turning every difficulty into a psychological problem.<\/p>\n<p>A realistic adaptation can then be chosen: a closer venue, a shorter meeting, an available chair or a less demanding activity. These examples are not a validated programme for reducing pain. They explore whether participation is feasible, in keeping with the person&#8217;s tolerance and the recommendations of the professionals involved.<\/p>\n<p>Follow-up can focus on what matters to the person: satisfaction with the meeting, feeling understood, independence or being able to repeat the activity. If pain does not change, the experience is not necessarily a failure. A relational benefit has value in its own right; it must not be used to dismiss a persistent symptom.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_realistic_role_for_osteopathy\"><\/span>A realistic role for osteopathy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>An osteopath can listen to the person&#8217;s goals, examine relevant musculoskeletal difficulties and offer support compatible with medical follow-up. The consultation may also identify a need for referral to physiotherapy, a community service, a social worker or a mental health professional.<\/p>\n<p>The studies discussed here do not establish that osteopathy treats loneliness, restores social circuits or resolves pain through \u201creconnection\u201d. The practitioner&#8217;s role must remain proportionate to their competence. A warm professional relationship does not replace personal connections and should not create dependence on consultations.<\/p>\n<p>Boundaries and consent remain essential. A practitioner must not infer trauma, emotional deprivation or family conflict from a painful area. If a person wishes to discuss their circumstances, they choose what to share. A decision not to discuss private matters must be respected.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_should_you_seek_help\"><\/span>When should you seek help?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>New pain, worsening pain or pain accompanied by loss of function warrants an appropriate assessment. Loneliness must never be used to immediately explain chest pain, sudden neurological weakness or another emergency sign. Call 911 in a potentially serious situation.<\/p>\n<p>Significant distress, withdrawal that prevents essential activities or feelings of hopelessness also justify seeking help. In Canada, 9-8-8 provides support during a suicide crisis by phone or text, at any time [<a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"#reference-11\">11<\/a>]. In immediate danger, call 911.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_points\"><\/span>Key points<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Social connections are part of the context in which pain is experienced. Research shows associations, possible experimental effects and modest benefits from some interventions. It does not justify attributing pain to loneliness or promising relief through a warmer relationship.<\/p>\n<p>For Osteomag, a whole-person approach recognises the reality of symptoms, practical barriers and relational needs at the same time. The appropriate goal is not to impose more contact, but to help someone regain opportunities they value, with suitable support.<\/p>\n<ul style=\"list-style:none;padding-left:0\">\n<li id=\"reference-1\"><a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1097\/j.pain.0000000000001939\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">[1]<\/a> Raja SN, Carr DB, Cohen M, et al. The revised International Association for the Study of Pain definition of pain: concepts, challenges, and compromises. <em>Pain.<\/em> 2020;161:1976\u20131982. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1097\/j.pain.0000000000001939\">doi:10.1097\/j.pain.0000000000001939<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li id=\"reference-2\"><a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41598-025-15151-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">[2]<\/a> Macchia L, Fett AK. The association between loneliness and pain, and the role of physical health and distress: an analysis in 139 countries. <em>Sci Rep.<\/em> 2025;15:30554. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41598-025-15151-0\">doi:10.1038\/s41598-025-15151-0<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li id=\"reference-3\"><a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0898264317721348\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">[3]<\/a> Emerson K, Boggero I, Ostir G, Jayawardhana J. Pain as a Risk Factor for Loneliness Among Older Adults. <em>J Aging Health.<\/em> 2018. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0898264317721348\">doi:10.1177\/0898264317721348<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li id=\"reference-4\"><a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23957903\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">[4]<\/a> Jaremka LM, Andridge RR, Fagundes CP, et al. Pain, depression, and fatigue: loneliness as a longitudinal risk factor. <em>Health Psychol.<\/em> 2014. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23957903\/\">PMID:23957903<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li id=\"reference-5\"><a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32092313\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">[5]<\/a> Smith KJ, Gavey S, Riddell NE, Kontari P, Victor C. The association between loneliness, social isolation and inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. <em>Neurosci Biobehav Rev.<\/em> 2020;112:519\u2013541. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32092313\/\">PMID:32092313<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li id=\"reference-6\"><a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.neubiorev.2018.07.005\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">[6]<\/a> Che X, et al. Investigating the influence of social support on experimental pain and related physiological arousal: A systematic review and meta-analysis. <em>Neurosci Biobehav Rev.<\/em> 2018;92:437\u2013452. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.neubiorev.2018.07.005\">doi:10.1016\/j.neubiorev.2018.07.005<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li id=\"reference-7\"><a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1073\/pnas.1703643115\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">[7]<\/a> Goldstein P, et al. Brain-to-brain coupling during handholding is associated with pain reduction. <em>Proc Natl Acad Sci USA.<\/em> 2018;115:E2528\u2013E2537. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1073\/pnas.1703643115\">doi:10.1073\/pnas.1703643115<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li id=\"reference-8\"><a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1371\/journal.pone.0321750\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">[8]<\/a> Rinaudo CM, Van de Velde M, Steyaert A, Mouraux A. Navigating the biopsychosocial landscape: A systematic review on the association between social support and chronic pain. <em>PLoS One.<\/em> 2025;20:e0321750. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1371\/journal.pone.0321750\">doi:10.1371\/journal.pone.0321750<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li id=\"reference-9\"><a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1097\/j.pain.0000000000003293\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">[9]<\/a> Wilson MV, Braithwaite FA, Arnold JB, et al. The effectiveness of peer support interventions for community-dwelling adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials. <em>Pain.<\/em> 2024;165:2698\u20132720. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1097\/j.pain.0000000000003293\">doi:10.1097\/j.pain.0000000000003293<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li id=\"reference-10\"><a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1057\/s41271-025-00561-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">[10]<\/a> Blodgett JM, Tiley K, Harkness F, Musella M. What works to reduce loneliness: a rapid systematic review of 101 interventions. <em>J Public Health Policy.<\/em> 2025;46:245\u2013268. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1057\/s41271-025-00561-1\">doi:10.1057\/s41271-025-00561-1<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li id=\"reference-11\"><a style=\"color:#076bb5\" href=\"https:\/\/988.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">[11]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/988.ca\/\">9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, Canada.<\/a> Resource accessed 6 October 2026.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>An exploratory educational article. The examples do not constitute a diagnosis or personalised treatment.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Loneliness, social isolation and social support describe different experiences. Explore what research shows about their associations with pain, the limits of current evidence, and practical ways to support participation while respecting each person\u2019s needs and autonomy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":64765,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[575],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-66059","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-mind-body-connection"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66059","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=66059"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66059\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":66096,"href":"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66059\/revisions\/66096"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/64765"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=66059"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=66059"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osteomag.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=66059"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}