The role of psychology in the treatment of persistent pain
Persistent pain or chronic pain not only affects the body: it also has a profound impact on the mind, emotions and quality of life. At mivisalud.com, we believe in a holistic approach to health, and that is why we explore how psychology can be a fundamental tool to alleviate suffering and improve the well-being of people who live with pain on a daily basis.
What is persistent pain?
Persistent pain is pain that lasts for more than three months, even after the original cause has disappeared. It may be due to conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, back pain, migraines or nerve injuries. This type of pain often leads to fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, sadness and social isolation.
Science has shown that pain is not only physical, but a complex experience in which the mind plays a key role. That is why psychology has taken a leading role in the multidisciplinary treatment of chronic pain.
Why is psychology important in pain management?
Pain signals from the body are interpreted by the brain. Factors such as stress, fear, negative thoughts or traumatic memories can amplify the perception of pain and hinder recovery.
Chronic pain psychology helps people understand, manage and transform their experience of pain. It is not about “imagining” pain, but changing the relationship we have with it, with scientific evidence to support its benefits.
Main psychological approaches to chronic pain management
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- CBT is the most studied therapy for pain management.
- Helps identify and modify distorted thoughts, such as “I will never get better” or “I can’t do anything”.
- It teaches practical strategies to increase physical activity, improve sleep and reduce the impact of pain on daily life.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- It promotes the acceptance of pain as part of the human experience, without letting it control life.
- Encourages commitment to worthwhile actions, such as taking up hobbies or strengthening relationships, despite pain.
- Mindfulness and emotional regulation
- It teaches to observe pain with mindfulness, without judgment, reducing the associated anxiety.
- Improves tolerance to discomfort and strengthens emotional resilience.
- Psychoeducation and stress management
- Understanding pain and how the nervous system works helps reduce fear and feelings of helplessness.
- Relaxation, breathing, visualization and stress management techniques help to calm the nervous system.
Benefits of psychological care for patients with chronic pain
Integrating psychological support in a comprehensive treatment of chronic pain brings multiple benefits, among them:
- Reduced pain perception
- Reduction of anxiety and depression
- Improved sleep quality
- Greater sense of control over life
- Reduction of analgesic consumption
- Increased adherence to medical and physical treatment
Holistic approach: body, mind and environment
At mivisalud.com, we work from a biopsychosocial approach to pain. This means that we consider not only the physical aspect, but also the emotional, cognitive and social. Effective pain management requires collaboration between medical professionals, psychologists, physiotherapists and nutritionists.
Psychology does not replace medical treatments, but it is a fundamental tool to accompany the patient in a humane, empathetic and evidence-based way.
When to seek psychological support if you have persistent pain?
If you feel frustrated, unmotivated, anxious or depressed about living with pain, it is time to ask for help. Psychological therapy can help you regain your autonomy, adapt better to your situation and rediscover the meaning of your life beyond the pain.
At mivisalud.com, we have a team of professionals specialized in the treatment of pain from an integrative, human and personalized approach.
Conclusion: The mind also heals
Treatment of persistent pain is not complete without addressing the mental and emotional dimension. Psychology offerseffective resources for people to not only survive pain, but to return to living with fulfillment and purpose.
Remember: taking care of your mental health is also taking care of your physical health. Enter mivisalud.com and discover how we can help you recover your wellbeing.
General Director of Physiotherapy