Counseling and Persistent Pain - Sally W.
How Can Counseling Help Those With Persistent Pain?
Around 25.3 million American have experienced some form of pain every day for the preceding three months, according to the most recently undertaken National Health Interview Survey. At the same time, the abuse, misuse or overuse of prescription medication for pain is considered a growing problem, with the 2016 National Study on Drug Use and Health reporting that one in 10 people struggle with some level of substance abuse, including an addiction to prescription drugs. Counseling can help those in the process of rehabilitation, with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other natural approaches such as meditation often forming part of a multi-faceted approach to recovery.
The treatment approach depends on the type of pain
As noted in a study published in the journal Psychiatry by D Songer, “Psychotherapeutic approaches to patients in pain vary depending on whether the patient is suffering from acute, continuous, or chronic pain.” Acute pain can often be treated with pain medication, but there are specific conditions in which pain can become chronic. These include dental issues, especially for persons in lower economic brackets who can rely on Medicaid and other aid programs mainly for emergency needs. Additional conditions causing chronic pain include osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, cancer, multiple sclerosis, stomach ulcers, AIDS, and gallbladder disease. Chronic pain can often be accompanied by depression and anxiety, so therapists need to assess all possible conditions before deciding on a definitive treatment plan.
CBT a gold standard therapy
One of the most effective therapies for chronic pain is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in which, during counseling sessions, therapists highlight the inexorable link between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT often involves homework; asking patients to undertake specific behaviors, for instance, when they feel pain. Therapists enlighten patients on the kind of ‘automatic thoughts’ that can lead to more pain. These thoughts include ‘I’m getting much worse’, ‘I’ll never be able to have a normal life’ and other self-defeating statements. Therapists enlighten patients on what to do when these automatic thoughts arise. Patients are often asked to keep a journal listing down the triggers for stronger feelings of pain. Realizing the power of these thoughts, patients can take steps to take alternative action when they arise in their mind.
Yoga and meditation
Holistic exercises such as yoga and meditation have been found to lower levels of stress hormone, cortisol, which can exacerbate pain and anxiety. In specific studies, yoga has been found to soothe chronic lower back pain and headaches. These activities have a strong mindfulness component, which involves accepting difficult sensations, emotions, and thoughts, while still being in control. The basis of mindfulness is the realization that these thoughts and emotions are impermanent. Additional relaxation therapies include progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and relaxing as many muscles in the body as one can, often starting with the toes and ending with the face.
Counseling can go a long way towards making patients feel more in charge of their lives, despite facing chronic pain. CBT is the gold standard treatment for pain since it encourages patients to take a positive stance rather than allowing pain to overtake their lives. CBT is normally backed up by other approaches, including holistic activities, progressive muscle relaxation, and positive affirmation. Aerobic and strength exercises are also key when it comes to building self-confidence and a sense of resilience.
Around 25.3 million American have experienced some form of pain every day for the preceding three months, according to the most recently undertaken National Health Interview Survey. At the same time, the abuse, misuse or overuse of prescription medication for pain is considered a growing problem, with the 2016 National Study on Drug Use and Health reporting that one in 10 people struggle with some level of substance abuse, including an addiction to prescription drugs. Counseling can help those in the process of rehabilitation, with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other natural approaches such as meditation often forming part of a multi-faceted approach to recovery.
The treatment approach depends on the type of pain
As noted in a study published in the journal Psychiatry by D Songer, “Psychotherapeutic approaches to patients in pain vary depending on whether the patient is suffering from acute, continuous, or chronic pain.” Acute pain can often be treated with pain medication, but there are specific conditions in which pain can become chronic. These include dental issues, especially for persons in lower economic brackets who can rely on Medicaid and other aid programs mainly for emergency needs. Additional conditions causing chronic pain include osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, cancer, multiple sclerosis, stomach ulcers, AIDS, and gallbladder disease. Chronic pain can often be accompanied by depression and anxiety, so therapists need to assess all possible conditions before deciding on a definitive treatment plan.
CBT a gold standard therapy
One of the most effective therapies for chronic pain is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in which, during counseling sessions, therapists highlight the inexorable link between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT often involves homework; asking patients to undertake specific behaviors, for instance, when they feel pain. Therapists enlighten patients on the kind of ‘automatic thoughts’ that can lead to more pain. These thoughts include ‘I’m getting much worse’, ‘I’ll never be able to have a normal life’ and other self-defeating statements. Therapists enlighten patients on what to do when these automatic thoughts arise. Patients are often asked to keep a journal listing down the triggers for stronger feelings of pain. Realizing the power of these thoughts, patients can take steps to take alternative action when they arise in their mind.
Yoga and meditation
Holistic exercises such as yoga and meditation have been found to lower levels of stress hormone, cortisol, which can exacerbate pain and anxiety. In specific studies, yoga has been found to soothe chronic lower back pain and headaches. These activities have a strong mindfulness component, which involves accepting difficult sensations, emotions, and thoughts, while still being in control. The basis of mindfulness is the realization that these thoughts and emotions are impermanent. Additional relaxation therapies include progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and relaxing as many muscles in the body as one can, often starting with the toes and ending with the face.
Counseling can go a long way towards making patients feel more in charge of their lives, despite facing chronic pain. CBT is the gold standard treatment for pain since it encourages patients to take a positive stance rather than allowing pain to overtake their lives. CBT is normally backed up by other approaches, including holistic activities, progressive muscle relaxation, and positive affirmation. Aerobic and strength exercises are also key when it comes to building self-confidence and a sense of resilience.
