Clinicians treating chronic pain believe that how the brain interprets pain signals plays a significant role in chronic discomfort.
Chronic pain can provoke emotions of fear or terror depending on how it is perceived, though in other instances chronic discomfort may simply be seen as an inconvenience – particularly when associated with enjoyable and fulfilling activities like sports.
Medical literature and the International Association for the Study of Pain’s definition of pain (which states that it is defined by each individual who feels it) recognize the significance of mind in chronic pain management.
Corollarily, the brain can learn to manage pain. Through mental techniques or other pain management approaches, chronic pain management may become possible as well as developing coping strategies. These methods may also be combined for maximum effect.
This article presents techniques for managing chronic pain that can empower patients while decreasing dependence on painkillers.
Chronic Pain Management
In order to effectively address chronic back pain or any other form of persistent discomfort, the first step should be undergoing a full medical assessment in order to identify its source.
- Consciously be aware of any sudden or persistent pain. This could serve as an early indicator that damage is imminent.
- Achieving pain relief when back problems persist is of particular significance.
There are various effective techniques available to anyone suffering from chronic back pain, regardless of medical conditions. At least one of these may help:
- Relaxation Training: Relaxation involves the combination of concentration and slow, deep breathing to relieve muscle tension and pain. Training to relax is an effective way of shifting one’s attention away from negative thoughts while relaxing all muscles simultaneously; relaxation tapes are available to learn this skill.
- Biofeedback: Taught to you by trained professionals using special machines that help control various body functions like heart rate or muscle tension, biofeedback is used as a relaxation exercise tool that reinforces relaxation exercises. Once mastered, however, biofeedback can be practiced without using the machine itself.
- Visual Images and Distraction: Imagery involves the practice of using pleasing mental images or repeating positive phrases or words to alleviate pain, while distraction techniques enlist positive thoughts to redirect focus away from negative ones. Simple activities may include watching your favorite film or TV program, reading an audiobook, listening to music or talking with a friend.
- Hypnosis: Hypnosis can be an effective tool to help reduce pain perception in two ways. A therapist may hypnotize an individual and then provide suggestions that reduce their suffering; self-hypnosis training teaches individuals to hypnotize themselves when pain interferes with daily functions; self-hypnosis may even serve as an excellent relaxation technique.
Tips to Deal with Chronic Pain
All four techniques described above for managing chronic pain make use of four specific skillsets to address it:
- Deep Muscle Relaxation Shifting attention away from pain signals.
- Focusing and concentrating on images, sounds, or thoughts which provide a relaxing and enjoyable experience can lead to deep muscle relaxation.
- Dissociation refers to the ability to uncouple mental processes normally linked together, leading to feelings such as detachment from chronic pain.
Doctors and therapists may use various strategies depending on the underlying causes to manage chronic pain, while additional medical treatments might be considered if symptoms continue, worsen, or disrupt daily activities.