Understanding and treating chronic pain, with Rachel V. Aaron, PhD
Feb 5, 2025
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Rachel V. Aaron, PhD, is an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins, specializing in chronic pain. She discusses the complex interplay between chronic pain and mental health, revealing that nearly 40% of chronic pain sufferers also face mental health challenges. The conversation explores innovative treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness, as well as the potential of acupuncture and other alternative therapies. Aaron emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation and the collaboration between patients and healthcare providers in effective pain management.
Chronic pain is influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors, necessitating integrated treatment approaches.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and emerging emotional-focused therapies aim to empower individuals by addressing both pain perception and underlying emotional issues.
Deep dives
Understanding Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for three months or longer after the expected healing period. It can arise from various conditions such as arthritis or injuries, but often, the specific cause remains unidentified. This lack of clarity about the pain's origin can lead to significant emotional distress for those affected. Research indicates that pain encompasses biological, psychological, and social factors, suggesting it is not solely a physical experience.
Psychological Treatments for Pain Management
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-established psychological treatment that helps patients explore and modify negative thought patterns regarding their pain. This therapeutic approach allows individuals to establish realistic perceptions of their condition and encourages participation in physical activities despite the ongoing pain. Additionally, newer treatments focusing on emotional awareness and acceptance are emerging, highlighting the interplay between emotional experiences and pain perception. These approaches aim to empower patients to manage their pain constructively and improve their quality of life.
The Connection Between Pain and Mental Health
There is a notable correlation between chronic pain and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, with studies indicating that around 40% of individuals with chronic pain also experience these issues. It is now recognized that this relationship is bidirectional, meaning chronic pain can contribute to mental health struggles, while existing mental health issues can exacerbate pain levels. The understanding of this connection underscores the need for integrated treatment options that address both physical and psychological aspects of pain. Treatment plans may need to include mental health support to enhance overall patient outcomes.
Innovative Treatment Modalities on the Horizon
Emerging therapies are looking to redefine the treatment of chronic pain by addressing emotional and historical trauma as key factors influencing pain experiences. Approaches such as Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy and Pain Reprocessing Therapy focus on retraining the brain's response to pain, emphasizing that pain can often be a misinterpretation of safety signals. These innovative treatments have shown promise, particularly for types of pain that do not have clear physical causes, revealing pathways for pain management that extend beyond traditional methods. As research continues, the potential for reversing chronic pain through these modalities is an exciting prospect for those suffering from long-term pain conditions.
Each year, more than 50 million U.S. adults experience chronic pain. Increasingly, researchers and patients are finding that behavioral treatments and therapies can be an important part of pain treatment. Pain psychologist Rachel Aaron, PhD, discusses what effective treatments are available, the link between chronic pain and mental health, how our emotions and life experiences affect pain, and what promising pain treatments may be on the horizon.