How does pain work? A qualitative analysis of how young adults with chronic pain conceptualize the biology of pain.

This study provides new qualitative insights reflecting a variety of ways that young adults with childhood-onset chronic pain conceptualize pain. Some conceptualizations of pain align with modern pain science principles (altered function of nervous and endocrine systems) while others conflict (unhealed injury). Health professionals can use these findings to tailor their pain education interventions by leveraging concepts that 'stick' for youth, being aware of, and interrogating, common misconceptions, and offering language and metaphors familiar to youth.