Backaches
Psychological Approaches
Psychological approaches are best for
chronic pain where a specific physical cause has not been identified
or, when it has, is used in conjunction with a sensible course of
medical treatment. The strategies used generally fall into four
categories, with plenty of room for overlap and the use of more than
one technique at a time. These categories are: relaxation,
imagery, hypnosis, and biofeedback. Though it is best to seek the
advice of experts to ascertain what, or what combination, is best for
you, below are examples of some things you can do on your own in the
effort to cope with chronic back pain.
Splitting: Separate your experience of pain from the pain itself.
If the pain is throbbing, for example, focus on the throb and not the
hurt. Another variation is to separate the painful body part
(your back) from the rest of your body.
Numbing: Imagine an injection of a powerful medicine that numbs the
area of your back that hurts.
Projection: Imagine yourself at a time in the past or future where you
are free of pain. A pain-free location, like a favorite vacation
spot, may also work.
Movement: Visualize the pain moving from your back to another area of
the body where it is easier to handle. An alternative is to
imagine it leaving your body and taking up residence somewhere else,
like the ground.
Be are that psychological approaches are particularly helpful when
stress is suspected as the culprit in your experience of chronic back
pain. Our daily lives are constantly subject to stress, be it
from work, relationships, or simply new and different
experiences. People react to stress in different ways. Some
individuals feel tired, others get upset stomachs, and many of us show
our tension in the form of back pain. Instead of a psychological
technique that focuses on pain management, then, a more sensible
approach could be the identification and treatment of the factors that
cause you to experience stress.
Physical
Approach
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This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.