Research Findings Using Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Chronic Pain

Tracy L Skaer

doi:10.4236/pst.2015.34005

Abstract

Chronic pain is a complex condition that is very detrimental to physical and psychological wellbeing. It carries a significant level of disability and economic burden. Pain patients frequently experience comorbid mental illness (e.g. depression, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia) and often require psychotherapeutic interventions in addition to medication management. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged as a means to treat several chronic conditions (e.g. chronic pain, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, stress, insomnia). The objective of this review is to evaluate the current research on the use of MBIs in chronic pain managment. Although there are several controlled trials on the use of MBIs in chronic pain management, only a few studies were found that demonstrated significant effects on pain intensity, quality of life, as well as physical and psychological functioning. Therefore, the current evidence is mixed and there are insufficient data to definitively confirm the full impact of the use of MBIs in chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. The lack of compelling evidence at this time signals a demand for higher quality investigations in this area. Research examining MBIs and concomitant CBT may be of great value in order to synergize and strengthen patient outcomes.

Highlights

Chronic pain results in significant economic, societal and health burdens
The analysis showed that Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) did not significantly decrease pain intensity when compared to controls but this could have been due to the sample sizes and the use of heterogeneous patient populations including various sites or types of pain and various ages
MBIs have emerged as a potential means to combat stress, depression, substance abuse relapse prevention, anxiety, and chronic pain

Summary

Introduction

Chronic pain results in significant economic, societal and health burdens. It is the leading cause of long-term disability, affects over 100 million people in the US, and accounts for $635 billion annually in direct and indi-How to cite this paper: Skaer, T.L. (2015) Research Findings Using Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Chronic Pain. Chronic pain results in significant economic, societal and health burdens. It is the leading cause of long-term disability, affects over 100 million people in the US, and accounts for $635 billion annually in direct and indi-. How to cite this paper: Skaer, T.L. Skaer rect costs [1] [2]. At least 10 percent of the world’s population or about 60 million people suffer from chronic pain [3]. Almost 5 hours per week are lost in productivity due to chronic pain conditions [4]. The resultant consequences for those living with chronic pain are reduced ability for daily activities, pleasure, general health, and overall quality of life (QOL) [5]-[7]

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Conclusion