Mental Health and Chronic Pain

Most pain doctors would agree that a multi-level treatment plan is better than a one-tiered method of care. In fact, mental health plays as big of a role as physical pain in some instances. Assessing chronic pain has evolved dramatically over the last century. Physicians now know that pain often influences thoughts, which in turn influence actions, which explains how we interpret pain.

Psychologists play a vital role in the treatment of many pain conditions. One strategy that doctors use is to relieve patients of catastrophizing feelings by working through emotions related to the condition. At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, we believe in a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, working with every doctor affected within a patient’s care plan. This approach could involve psychologists, primary care physicians, physical therapists, and everyone in between.

With four locations across Utah, Southwest Spine and Pain Center continues to be the leading pain clinic in the southwest United States. Our providers are experts in pain care and healing. We coordinate with other specialists as a way to improve care for patients suffering with mental health issues.

Chronic pain affects over 100 million American adults today. Pain conditions are more prevalent than heat disease, cancer, and diabetes combined, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Based off research and influential statistics, we understand that one form of treatment will often not be enough. One of our goals is to give patients the tools to continue treatment for the rest of their lives, avoiding further medical intervention. Implementing psychological evaluations and sessions often provides more relief than any form of medicine or surgery, often with zero side effects.

Psychiatrists play a primary role in pain treatment, working with patients’ feelings, emotions, reactions, and desires. Growing research says that integrating mental health strategies can enhance patient and provider satisfaction, improve patient outcomes, and decrease health care costs. Psychological intervention helps patients identify many problems before they provoke more pain of their health.

If you suffer from disabling pain and emotional stress, contact a Southwest Spine and Pain Center nearest you to schedule an appointment and get the best care immediately.

If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!

The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.

©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2014

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