Effectively Managing Chronic Pain
Many of us have experienced some form of physical pain during our lives. Pain is simply a signal our nervous system sends to the brain alerting us to an injury that needs medical attention.
“There are two types of pain, acute and chronic,” Dr. Deanna Hughes, licensed clinical psychologist and TRICARE provider, explains.
“Acute pain is an immediate sensation, usually the result of an identifiable source. Chronic pain is persistent with symptoms lasting 3–6 months or longer. Usually multiple, less-identifiable sources contribute to chronic pain.”
Chronic pain can come in the form of headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, bruxism (teeth grinding), lower back pain, arthritis pain, repetitive stress injuries (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome) and pain associated with cancer. Many individuals with chronic pain feel that they are unable to cope with their condition and will never function as they once did.
Individuals with chronic pain may experience the following:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of full functioning
- Muscle tension
- Insomnia
- Lack of appetite
Hughes encourages individuals who suffer from chronic pain to seek treatment. “Effectively managing your chronic pain will help you perform to the best of your abilities despite your chronic condition,” she says.
She recommends a multidisciplinary approach to chronic pain management. Hughes suggests seeing a physical or occupational therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist; physiatrist and/or pain-management physician.
“Your physician may discuss psychosomatic triggers, such as stress, which can increase or intensify pain levels,” Hughes explains. “But psychosomatic does not mean that the pain is all in your head. It means the pain is exacerbated by stressors.”
Working with various health professionals to manage these stressors can help reduce pain. Effective treatments may include a combination of therapies, including medication, physical or occupational therapy, and learning some of the following behavioral techniques:
- Guided imagery
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Pacing your tasks and activity level
- Understanding and addressing belief distortions
Hughes is hopeful for individuals with chronic pain who seek treatment. “No one should suffer with unbearable pain—it can be managed with the right combination of professional treatment.”
TRICARE offers comprehensive coverage for behavioral health care services. As a TRICARE beneficiary, you are entitled to eight initial unmanaged outpatient visits with a behavioral health provider without a referral or authorization from ValueOptions. For help finding a behavioral health provider, call ValueOptions at 1-800-700-8646.
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