Like Hughes, many haven't worked for years. And occasionally, there are individuals who have histories of abuse which are contributing to their pain. But variations of psychological conditioning may be the most helpful. My self-esteem is miles higher than it was. Now I know how to relax and think about something other than the pain in my leg, back and groin.
Patients become important members of their own pain team.
Most of us usually see a few who are better off, a few who are worse and a lot like ourselves. It helps us to feel that our situation is normal. But chronic pain sufferers often have difficulty seeing themselves as normal until they are in a group of people who understand their pain. In the exercise part of the program, as well as in counseling, the group members offer encouragement to each other. They may be saying the same things that staff members have already said, but as members of the group they have much more credibility because they understand the pain in a way the staff never will.