Beware of your back pain, as it can not only create complications for you but also lead to short term memory deficits. According to a report patients with chronic back pain have significant impairments in short-term prospective memory compared with people without pain. Prospective memory is the memory of future intentions, such as going to the super market, or making a doctor's appointment. Scientist explains that short-term prospective memory deficits could be due to the link between pain and stress and the impact of this relationship on cognitive function. Another possible explanation may be related to glucocorticoid (steroid) treatment to which the patients may have been exposed.

The investigators hope these findings will help guide the care of patients with chronic pain and encourage the development of skills to offset memory problems.
Sourcehttp://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070424/hl_nm/back_pain_memory_dc;_ylt=AnUoYL9CnsNP.iUzNjEaZJXVJRIF