Coping Strategies: Psychological Methods Of Pain Management
Relaxation Training
Relaxation involves concentration and slow, deep breathing to release tension from muscles and relieve pain. Learning to relax takes practice, but relaxation training can focus attention away from pain and release tension from all muscles. Relaxation tapes are widely available to help you learn these skills.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is taught by a professional who uses special machines to help you learn to control bodily functions, such as heart rate and muscle tension. As you learn to release muscle tension, the machine immediately indicates success. Biofeedback can be used to reinforce relaxation training. Once the technique is mastered, it can be practiced without the use of the machine.
Visual Imagery
Visual imagery involves concentrating on mental pictures of pleasant scenes or events or mentally repeating positive words or phrases to reduce pain. Tapes are also available to help you learn visual imagery skills.
Distraction Techniques
Distraction techniques focus your attention away from negative or painful images to positive mental thoughts. This may include activities as simple as:
Hypnosis
Hypnosis can be used in two ways to reduce your perception of pain. Some people are hypnotized by a therapist and given a post-hypnotic suggestion that reduces the pain they feel. Others are taught self-hypnosis and can hypnotize themselves when pain interrupts their ability to function. Self-hypnosis is a form of relaxation training.
Individual, Group, Or Family Therapy
These forms of psychotherapy may be useful for those whose pain has not responded to physical methods. People who suffer from chronic pain often experience emotional stress and depression. Therapy can help you cope with these feelings, making it easier to manage your pain.
Coping Strategies: Medications For Pain Management
Medications are the most popular way to manage pain. Commonly used medications include:
Although these are probably the safest pain relievers available, they sometimes cause stomach irritation and bleeding.
Narcotic drugs may be prescribed for short-term acute pain. These drugs should not be used for long periods because they are addictive and can affect your ability to think clearly. They also have other side effects, such as constipation.
See: The Facts Of Analgesics (Painkillers)
Many people with persistent pain that has not responded to other forms of pain relief are treated with antidepressant medication. These drugs may work in a different way when used for treatment of unyielding pain. The body’s internal pain suppression system may depend upon the concentrations of various chemicals in the brain. These concentrations are increased by the use of antidepressants.
Coping Strategies: Pain Clinics
Various methods of pain management are used in many hospitals and clinics across the country. If you have chronic pain that has not responded to treatment, you should consult your physician for a referral to a physical therapist or a clinic specializing in pain management.
Related Resources - Osteoporosis
Related Resources - Pain Relief
Source: NIAMS, Osteoporosis: Coping With Chronic Pain, Revised March 2005
