Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience. The experience of pain is such an important factor in a person's feeling of well being that in 2001, the JCAHO (Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) mandated that pain be considered a "vital sign." When a patient enters a hospital, their level of pain must now be assessed and treated. Acute pain is usually associated with a specific biological injury and the feeling of pain tends to dissipate with the resolution of the injury.
What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain differs from acute pain in that it is a persistent sensation that endures for a long period of time and can exist with or without biological causes. The pain experienced by patients with chronic pain syndromes may begin with traumatic injury, disease, infection, or may be completely psychogenic (without biologically based causes). Chronic pain is also associated with depression and anxiety, and can spiral into a host of additional difficulties, including increasing levels of discomfort, weight gain, low self-esteem, and a generalized sense of pessimism about life. The pain often appears to take on a life of its own.
The experience of pain is very subjective and, unlike a person's body temperature, cannot be objectively measured. It is important to remember the words of Albert Einstein when treating patients with chronic pain: "Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts." Despite its subjective nature, pain is a very real and uncomfortable experience, and it deserves proper attention. Chronic pain can occur at any age, but is most often seen in adults.
Chronic pain symptoms can take on many forms, and may include:
- headache
- back pain
- burning sensations
- pain associated with nausea
How is Chronic Pain Treated?
There are many approaches to treating chronic pain, and treatment often involves the expertise of several health care practitioners. A patient's treatment might involve a combination of physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, medication management, and consultations with medical specialists.
In addition, pain management treatment often includes an individualized program of psychotherapy. There are many cognitive behavioral techniques that have been effective in treating chronic pain, including rational-emotive psychotherapy, cognitive restructuring, behavior therapy, contingency management, acceptance therapy, and relaxation training. These techniques target the anxiety and depression that often accompany chronic pain. They focus on helping individuals suffering from chronic pain to accept their situation and to improve the quality of their lives. Furthermore, individuals suffering from chronic pain often do not know what to expect from their pain condition, and feel a significant loss of control of their lives. CBT allows them to regain a sense of control and continue on to live fulfilling and productive lives.
Chronic Pain Links
American Pain Foundation Website - www.painfoundation.org
National Pain Foundation Website - www.nationalpainfoundation.org
American Chronic Pain Association Website - www.theacpa.org
American Pain Society Website - www.ampainsoc.org
