Recovery from chronic musculoskeletal pain with psychodynamic consultation and brief intervention: a report of three illustrative cases.
OBJECTIVE
Most physicians are unaware of the potential for complete remission from chronic musculoskeletal pain through a purely psychological approach. We report three cases in which various types of chronic musculoskeletal pain were successfully treated using a small-group psychological workshop combined with a single consultative session.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
Hospital-based clinic; retrospectively selected cases among patients with at least a 4-year history of chronic musculoskeletal pain prior to intervention.


METHODS
Structured interview.


RESULTS
Each of three patients discussed reported pain-free status at last follow-up, which was at least 6 months following the intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Certain individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain may greatly benefit from a primarily psychodynamic approach to treatment, even when standard approaches to pain treatment have failed.
Hsu
Michael C
MC
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. michsu@umich.edu
Schubiner
Howard
H
D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology; D059408:Pain Management; D013811:Psychotherapeutic Processes; D016896:Treatment Outcome