Today's Health Care offers an innovative and comprehensive mind-body approach for the treatment of chronic pain. Chronic pain is complex in its causes and affects all parts of the body; it involves the tissues, bodily systems, and the mind. Because chronic pain is multidimensional, it is never adequately addressed with a unidimensional treatment. Pain management must extend beyond physical approaches to include the psychological, social, and even spiritual aspects of the patient. Effective integrated treatment fosters self-awareness and teaches appropriate and effective self-care. In time, complex issues are managed, pain is reduced, and the patient moves toward peak physical and psychological functioning. Since every person’s pain management needs are different, Today's Health Care incorporates a broad approach to treatment that addresses the various concurrent bio-psycho-social-spiritual factors that contribute to chronic pain. The four components of the pain experience are: 1) the physical sensation, 2) automatic thoughts, 3) uncomfortable emotional reactions, and 4) self-defeating behaviors that often result from the thinking and feelings. Studies show that as pain lingers on and becomes chronic, a patient’s mood and motivation are affected. As patients learn to separate the physical sensations from their psycho-emotional responses, stress levels associated with the pain symptoms are reduced. Every Chronic Pain Patient Wants to Know: What is wrong? (Diagnosis) What is going to happen to me? (Prognosis) What can be done? (Treatment Options) Research tells us that patients who get answers to these questions have increased satisfaction, better coping strategies, and less anxiety. Understanding pain reduces the threat value and improves pain and outcomes. |