Amazing effects of psychotherapy on reducing chronic pain

According to RCO News Agency, Low back pain, migraine, arthritis, post -brain trauma symptoms or post -cancer treatment are just a few of the problems associated with chronic pain. Chronic pain in every five adults affects one person, and the solution is not always the drug.

A new study with a scientific look at how some psychological treatments can help reduce these physical pain by making physical changes in the brain.

The main author of this article, Professor Len Vase of the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Araos, Denmark, says: Traditionally, when someone has pain, he or she is referred to a doctor and usually prescribed medication. But this method is not always effective for chronic pain. As a result, many doctors are looking for more effective alternatives. One of these options is psychological therapy, and we are now closer to understanding the effectiveness of this treatment.

A scientific explanation

That psychotherapy can help reduce pain is not a new issue. But what this new study offers is a scientific explanation clearer than the effect of such treatments.

Various studies have found that patients have less pain after psychological treatment. But the question is: Is that just a feeling? The mind manages the pain by distracting the senses? Or really there are physical changes in the body?

In this study, a group of researchers examined a set of previous research. Each of these studies alone is not enough to conclude a definitive conclusion, but when they are put together, a clear pattern appears.

“We still need more research to determine exactly which part of the psychological treatments affect the brain and how they do it,” explains. But the current study gives us good clues to what methods are effective and how they change pain by changing the function of the brain and spinal cord.

When the brain is on the “automatic pilot” mode

One of the methods that has shown the most effectiveness is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps change automatic thoughts, the same thoughts and feelings that come when we are inappropriate and passive and the brain somehow works on the “automatic pilot” mode.

In this case, a specific network is active in the brain called default network network. This network interacts with networks related to pain and emotion.
Studies show that when a person changes his or her thoughts and emotions through psychotherapy, the pattern of activity of these networks also changes.

“When someone is involved in chronic pain, this pain can affect his whole life,” says Professor Wes. From jobs to family relationships. One may avoid the things they already enjoy. But when it is able to distance from restrictive thoughts and emotions and return to more natural life, these changes are associated with reduced pain, improved quality of life, and visible changes in the brain.

Maybe just a enough app

According to Professor Ves, the findings of this study can be used by physicians, psychologists and patients themselves.

“At present, most of our information is about the impact of face -to -face sessions with the psychologist,” he adds. But well, not everyone has access to the psychologist. Fortunately, doctors, physiotherapists and nurses can also guide people in the path of thinking therapy and pain relief, and even some people can help themselves with the help of an app.

According to the researchers, there are more than 5 apps for psychological relief, although all of them have not yet been fully investigated.

However, Professor Wes suggests: As long as there is more scientific evidence, if I want to choose an app personally, I will choose an option based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

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