Psychologically-based interventions for chronic pain are recognised as valid adjunct treatments. They can result in self-management of pain, improved pain-coping resources, reduced pain-related disability, and reduced emotional distress.
Relaxation training
It is generally accepted that stress is a key factor involved in the exacerbation and maintenance of chronic pain.4,5 Learning relaxation techniques will enable you to reduce tension levels (physical and mental), thereby achieving reductions in pain and an ability to increase control over pain.
Cognitive-behavioural approaches
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) treatment for chronic pain focuses on psychological principles to help manage pain. The goal is to increase your understanding of your pain and help you manage it by changing your behaviours, thoughts, and emotions surrounding pain. This kind of treatment will help you feel more in control in managing your pain.
Research has found CBT to be an effective treatment for chronic pain.6
Acceptance-based approaches
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is the most common of the acceptance-based psychotherapies. Acceptance encourages you to actively embrace pain and its effects, rather than attempt to change it. By doing so, you can still derive meaning from life, despite the presence of pain.
Mindfulness
Many patients with chronic pain experience stress, fear and depression, which along with their associated behaviours, increase the perception of pain. Research with chronic pain sufferers has found increased brain activity causes the person to become very emotionally reactive and preoccupied with the pain. Over time this results in more suffering and a vicious cycle begins.
Mindfulness based approaches can be very helpful in managing chronic pain. Mindfulness enables you to shift your attention to stimuli other than the pain. Mindfulness based approaches also help patients develop acceptance towards their chronic pain symptoms. When you are less focused on your pain, you’re able to focus on other, more satisfying and valued activities.7,8