Chronic Pain
By Clinical Mental Health Team
Understanding Chronic Pain
Chronic pain affects an estimated 50 million U.S. adults, making it a widespread concern. Broadly, there are two types of chronic pain:
- Chronic pain: Pain that lasts longer than three months but allows individuals to maintain normal daily activities.
- High-impact chronic pain: Pain that limits major life activities, including work, social interaction, recreation, and self-care.
The Link Between Pain and Mental Health
It is common for chronic pain to co-occur with mental health conditions:
- About 50% of people with fibromyalgia experience clinical depression in any 12-month period.
- Depression affects roughly 20% of people with arthritis, migraines, or pelvic pain annually.
- Anxiety disorders are present in over 50% of those with chronic pain due to fibromyalgia, TMJ disorder, or chronic abdominal pain, and around 35–40% of people with migraines, arthritis, or pelvic pain.
Pain, depression, and anxiety form a reciprocal relationship: unrelenting pain can exacerbate emotional struggles, while anxiety and depression can intensify the perception of pain.
Treatment Approaches
Opiates have historically been used to manage chronic pain, but concerns about side effects and addiction have led the medical community to explore alternative approaches.
Psychotherapy, once considered a last-resort option, is increasingly recognized as an essential component of chronic pain treatment. Managing thoughts and emotions related to pain can reduce pain signals in the brain and improve overall functioning.
Hope Through Integrated Care
Combining medical interventions with psychological support provides the most effective approach to chronic pain management. While pain is a normal part of life, chronic and high-impact pain can make everyday functioning difficult. Early incorporation of psychotherapy alongside medical care can help reduce the intensity of pain, improve quality of life, and sometimes even alleviate pain altogether.
If you are among the 50 million adults living with chronic pain or high-impact chronic pain, consider incorporating psychological support into your treatment plan. Competent and caring therapists are available to help you manage pain, cope with associated depression or anxiety, and regain control of your life.