We often use symbols such as moans, groans, grimaces, and limps to convey our pain to others. Your friends or family members may respond to these signals in ways that harm you in the long run. If others start paying special attention to you when pain strikes, you may unconsciously seek attention by having an episode of pain. Mind-body interventions such as relaxation training and biofeedback work by helping control physiological responses that contribute to pain production. Others help patients manage stress-inducing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that can open the pain gates.
All help increase the sense of control over pain and the factors that influence it.
It is often possible to reduce the dosage of the pain medicine required by complimenting your drug therapy with mind-body therapies.