Pain Management

Effective pain management techniques are essential, particularly given the suffering and ever-increasing costs associated with pain. Pain management techniques exclusively based on the biomedical model are insufficient to alleviate pain. Instead, pain management techniques should address biological, psychological, and social factors to treat the pain patient, as exemplified by the biopsychosocial model. One component of this model—cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—has proven effective in managing pain. Techniques that fall within the scope of CBT include psychoeducation, symptom monitoring, exercise, thought monitoring, communication skills training, pacing, relaxation, distraction techniques, problem-solving skills, and self-monitoring. These techniques can be used in conjunction with one another, and they are tailored to the individual needs of each patient. It is also important that individuals suffering from pain are educated about effective pain management techniques, relative to treatment modalities that have no empirical research support, so that pain sufferers can make the most educated decisions regarding their treatment.