Chronic pain: psychological approaches for the front-line clinician.
Many of the techniques and skills the average front-line practitioner possesses (such as intake, psychological testing, cognitive behavior therapy, and relaxation therapy) can be readily and effectively applied to a chronic-pain population. More specialized techniques for pain reduction, such as biofeedback training, can be easily learned by the generalist clinician with a minimum of additional training. In this article, four general steps to assess and reduce chronic pain are reviewed. Through careful use of the available research literature, and by consulting with a colleague who has expertise in chronic pain, most psychologists can straightforwardly begin to help individuals suffering from chronic pain.
Arena
John G
JG
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and The Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30904-6285, USA. john.arena@med.va.gov
D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology; D059408:Pain Management; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012064:Relaxation Therapy