Why is Psychology an Important Aspect of Treating Pain?
Did anyone ever tell you the pain is “all in your head”? Well, pain is both a physical and psychological experience. Because the brain plays such a central role in the pain process, certain techniques that target a person's thoughts, emotions or behaviors related to pain are often effective.
“There are a number of self-management techniques for pain,” our Medical Director observes. These include relaxation strategies such as deep breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and biofeedback. Relaxation techniques can give a person an increased sense of control over his/her pain. “This can help to reduce pain levels, and with less pain, a person is able to function better.”
Self-management techniques can also include cognitive skills such as "thought stopping" or "reframing," which can help people fend off some of the negative thoughts and feelings that often arise as a consequence of living with pain.
So, while pain isn’t “all in your head,” there are some actions you can take to help yourself psychologically manage different aspects of it.
Labels: back pain, Knee Pain, Low back pain, neck pain, physical therapy
Posted by Spine and Sports Medicine on 7:28 AM
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