The following is an article co-authored by NJ Spine Institute psychologist Dr. Steven Weitz on treatment of chronic pain. The commonly used pain management protocols in each area are described. Psychological management procedures that are covered include relaxation methods, patient education, cognitive therapy techniques, and patient compliance enhancement. Concerning pharmacologic management, the World Health Organization ladder analgesic guidelines are described, as well as adjunct medications, such as antidepressants, anxiolytics, and hypnotics.
Chronic pain is a debilitating and demoralizing condition.
Unable to obtain relief, patients frequently become clinically depressed and anxious. Family members suffer as well, since the impact of chronic pain syndrome affects all who are close to the patient. A vicious cycle ensues between chronic physical pain and psychological dysfunction, where each condition exacerbates the other. Comprehensive treatment of chronic pain syndrome requires that both its psychological and pharmacologic management needs be addressed. In this article, we review the typical psychological and psychiatric treatments for chronic pain.