How Psychological Testing Can Help with Chronic Pain Management
One of the innovative solutions to chronic pain that we offer at CPC is pain psychology. This is part of our promise to offer the very best options that exist within the world of chronic pain solutions. Under the umbrella of pain psychology are a variety of different types of treatments, one of which is psychological testing. Today our interventional pain physician team is sharing some insight and information on how this service can positively contribute to a patient’s treatment.
What is Pain Psychology?
People often think of pain as a purely physical sensation. However, it is now accepted that pain does not exist in a social vacuum, and that non-physiological factors such the following all contribute significantly to a patient’s perception of pain:
Personality
Cognitions
Beliefs
Socio-cultural variables
Learning
Emotional reactivity
Furthermore, chronic pain can cause feelings such as anger, hopelessness, sadness and anxiety. To treat pain effectively, you must address the physical, emotional and psychological aspects. Pain psychology addresses the impact that these factors may be having on a patient’s pain level and quality of life.
Common Reasons for Psychological Testing in Chronic Pain Treatment
Psychological tests that focus on pain, problems with mood, sleep, anger, maladaptive pain beliefs, unrealistic expectations, or coping problems are commonly used in pain management. The pain psychologist may design specific interventions that targets these problems. For example, chronic pain patients may often have depression that may be helped with a variety of behavioral treatments and medications.
In addition to these reasons, it’s also common for pain specialists as well as insurance companies to require psychological screening prior to undergoing certain procedures. This is true of both a spinal cord stimulator implant and drug administration pump system. Your interventional pain physician will be able to inform you if your specific treatments may also require this step. At Comprehensive Pain Consultants of the Carolinas, we offer this screening on-site as a convenience to our patients.
Next Steps Following Testing
Once a patient has completed the recommended psychological and/or neuropsychological testing, a treatment plan can be established. This process is done collaboratively between the patient and the pain psychologist to ensure the goals set are ones which the patient is appropriately motivated to work towards. There are many supportive possibilities within pain psychology. For example, pain psychologist can help create strategies that can help the patient in the following ways:
Strategize new ways to think about problems (and to find solutions)
Establish healthy ways of distracting yourself from your pain
Develop new ways to think about your pain
Integrate lifestyle changes that can assist in regaining control over your participation in work and recreational activities
Create improved sleep strategies and habits
Most patients find they can better manage their pain after just a few sessions with a psychologist. Those who are experiencing depression or dealing with a long-term degenerative medical condition may benefit from a longer course of treatment. Together with your psychologist, you will determine how long treatment should last.
Additional Pain Psychology Offerings
As a well-established provider of pain psychology, CPC offers a full suite of treatment options which our patients have access to in addition to psychological testing. These therapies are coordinated within a patient’s care team, including any additional treating pain specialist within CPC to ensure the highest probability of lasting relief. The following are some of the more common treatments available:
Pain Doctor Morganton NC
Our pain management doctors in Morganton (as well as 14 additional Asheville area locations) are accepting new patients. We welcome patients with back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, diabetic pain, arthritis, shingles, autoimmune diseases, joint pain, headaches, migraines and more. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about what types of chronic pain treatments might be right for you.