Chronic Pain - How To Manage It With Rehabilitation Psychology?

Pain is an all-too-familiar problem and perhaps one of the most common reasons that people visit a physician. Alleviating pain, unfortunately, is not always easy. Chronic pain caused by a sprain or injury is more complex, as it lasts for weeks to years. Furthermore, this type of intense pain causes feelings like hopelessness, anger, anxiety and sadness. To treat chronic pain effectively, one needs to address all three aspects - emotional, physical and psychological.

Psychological treatment is an essential part of pain management. Managing and understanding the emotions, behaviour, and thoughts that come along with the discomfort may help you deal with chronic pain more effectively and reduce its intensity.

Managing Chronic Pain with Psychological Rehabilitation You are expected to discuss your emotional and physical health when working with a psychologist, you. He/she will want to know all about your pain – where it occurs, how long you have been experiencing it, and what factors are likely to aggravate the pain. The psychologist will also encourage you to talk about your stress and worries, including those related to your pain. You may need to fill in a questionnaire or record your feelings and thoughts about the pain. Having a complete understanding of your concerns will help the psychologist develop a treatment plan before proceeding any further.

For those trying to cope with chronic pain, specialized treatment plans are designed. This involves certain relaxation techniques, building coping skills, changing old beliefs about pain, and addressing the accompanying depression or anxiety.

Tips for Dealing with Chronic Pain

Psychological rehabilitation suggests the following tips for chronic pain patients to cope with the condition- 

 Long-term pain – or the fear of intense pain – often leads people to withdraw from activities they enjoy taking part in. However, it is all-essential that you do not allow chronic pain to take control of your interests. Be active in a way that recognizes your physical limitations. Chalk out a plan on pain management but do not push yourself to do more than you are able to handle.

Forge social connections. Studies reveal that people who seek social support are more resilient, and are less likely to experience anxiety and depression.

Find ways to distract the mind when the pain intensifies. Go for a walk, engage in your favourite hobby or simply listen to music – pleasant situations may help you deal with pain better. Most importantly, never lose hope.

With appropriate rehabilitation techniques, you will learn to live with pain and think of it differently. Studies have found that psychological rehabilitation is as effective as conventional surgery and medications for relieving persistent pain because psychological treatment can alter the way your brain processes pain sensations.