Treating pain-associated mental health conditions
It is recommended that conservative care (non-surgical) practitioners include behavioral interventions in their treatment plan. Treatment options should be paired with the unique needs and preferences of each patient.
There are many non-medication strategies that can be used to gain some control over how you are affected by pain and managing the associated problems with mood, anxiety, or sleep. These and other useful methods for managing your pain can be learned through the help of a pain psychologist, or by working with other specialists.
Your doctor can help counsel you, or direct you to a specialist who is right for you.
- Exercise – this is an ideal form of pain and mood management. Seek guidance on the appropriateness and safety of exercise for your condition from your doctor or physical therapist.
- Aerobic (cardio) exercise – causes release of chemicals in the brain that help improve mood, decrease stress and anxiety, and increase sleep.
- Gradually increase your amount of exercise to a goal time of 2-1/2 hours of moderate to vigorous exercise per week.
- Choose an activity that you not only can tolerate, but also enjoy. Consider mixing types of exercise.
- Biking, walking, swimming or pool walking, endurance strength training, yoga, Tai Chi, or Pilates are good examples.
- Sleep hygiene – this entails having a good pre-sleep routine to promote natural sleep patterns, and includes:
- Avoidance of television or computer work in bed
- Stopping caffeine at or before lunch
- Having a notepad by your bedside to write down any recurring thoughts or ideas so that you can “let them go”
- Medications – may occasionally be used to treat pain, depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders.