Use Your Mind for Chronic Pain Relief

Chronic pain goes beyond the sensory experience of “how much does it hurt and where does it hurt?” says Steven P. Cohen, chair of anesthesiology and vice chair of research and pain medicine at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. Our thoughts, emotions, and behavior can significantly affect the physical sensation of chronic pain.

Medication, physical therapy, steroid injections, and implanted devices may be helpful, but newer research has discovered that techniques that target the psychological aspects of pain can also provide relief. In this article, we look at three such treatments.

Ask your primary care provider if these might be an option. They can refer you to a licensed mental health professional who specializes in chronic pain. You can also find specialists at aapainpsychology.org.