No doubt there is an emotional side, whether as part of the cause or as one of the repercussions of chronic pain.
So unrelieved stress can be a big factor in muscle tension-the old fight or flight response. If you can't do either you just get very tense!
This muscle tightness can then put all sorts of stresses on the spine, and even lead to disc damage.
Then there is the problem of how you handle the pain, inactivity, loss of interests etc etc. Depression can result.
One of the very important things that he is doing is taking some positive steps and getting back in control. This is a very important psychological step to take as it make syou feel so much better to be doing something positive.
I would suggest that he makes up some sort of daily/ weekly schedule of things to do. This will emphasise his positive actions.
And.....get some regular remedial massage. Try once a week initially.
This will gradually loosen, stretch and strengthen the tight and sore muscles.
It is a vital step to getting the muscles sorted out.
Also, take a magnesium powder to ease muscle tension. I use MuscleEze.
I have found a huge overall improvement since taking this supplement, and having remedial massage.