Chronic Pain Therapy
We have all experienced some type of pain, whether physical and/or emotional. Similarily, most of us hope to avoid pain although it does serve a useful purpose. When we experience pain our brain signals us to stop doing whatever is causing the pain, preventing further harm to our body. Pain, however, is not meant to last for extended periods of time. Yet for some, pain can be ongoing, lasting much longer and severely compromising daily functioning. This is called chronic pain. Focusing on when/if the pain will subside often leaves us feeling like our quality of life is compromised and hopeless. For instance, chronic pain is often associated with other health conditions including anxiety and depression. Chronic Pain therapy can help with how you think and manage your symptoms.
Pain Is Exhausting
Living with daily pain is physically and emotionally exhausting. For instance, it can affect our ability to function at work and at home. It may become too difficult to continue participating in things you enjoy such as social events or hobbies. Chronic pain is known to change the levels of neurotransmitters in our brain and nervous system which effects our mood, thinking and behavior. Therefore, it is common to have trouble with sleep, fatigue, concentration, poor appetite, and mood changes.
It’s Hard To See Pain
Pain is not often an observable phenomenon. THowever it can be difficult to treat something that is individually defined regarding intensity and experience. Several behavioral therapies have been widely used to help with management of symptoms including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance Based therapies. Above all, cognitive therapies aim to notice our negative “automatic thoughts” that surround chronic pain. In other words, these thoughts are often distortions of reality and begin as fear based. Examples could include “my pain will never end” or “when is it going to start or get worse?” therefore, leaving many to avoid much of their lives and focus on only the pain. Therapy can help change these thought patterns.
