Overview:
- Chronic pain syndromes are complex and require a number of techniques before adequate pain relief can be experienced.
- Fortunately, the pain specialists at Tulsa Pain use a multidisciplinary approach when caring for pain patients, so patients can get the most out of their treatment.
- In this blog, the pain management physicians recommend patients implement meditation into their treatment regimen to help manage some of the mental and emotional repercussions of pain.
To control the physical aspects of pain, pain specialists at Tulsa Pain often recommend interventional treatment options such as pain medication, steroid injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and forms of electrotherapy. These techniques are incredibly beneficial at controlling pain and can last a long period of time (i.e. a few weeks or months). Still, there are other aspects to pain that do not respond well to these interventional pain care options.
We, of course, are referring to the mental and emotional repercussions of chronic pain. A survey conducted on 300 pain patients found more than half feel they are treated as drug addicts every time they visit the pharmacy. Moreover, comments from the survey stated many chronic pain patients feel non-chronic pain individuals do not take pain seriously. Additionally, chronic pain patients have reported comments are made frequently about pain being all in their head.
Unfortunately, these instances can lead to a big problem among chronic pain patients: depression. Not only that, anxiety is often reported as a behavioral health condition that affects people living in pain. It’s important patients, physicians, and loved ones advocate on the behalf of those living in pain and reduce the stigma around pain management. These efforts could help change the way pain patients manage their condition.
Until then, there is an alternative technique that may help reduce pain, improve mood, and decrease opioid dependence. Mediation has been touted as an effective treatment option for chronic pain. A study conducted by researchers at Wake Forest University found meditation has the power to activate and alter areas of the brain that control pain processing. The results concluded meditation reduces pain intensity in patients, decreases stress, and allows patients to actively control their emotional reaction to pain.
One of the most effective techniques is meditation with visualization, which requires visualizing relaxing, soothing places, people, or things. To get started, try setting aside 10-15 minutes a day to visualize relaxing situations or things. You can try playing calming, ambient sounds, or sitting in a dark, quiet room. If you have questions about different techniques, talk to your Tulsa Pain physicians today. He or she will be able to either provide advice or point you in the direction of something or someone that can.
Tulsa Pain is a multi-location pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 855-918-PAIN or click on our “Request An Appointment” tab to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
