Self-Directed Non-Pharmacological Management of Chronic Pain

Abstract

Abstract This chapter supplements Chapter 16 by emphasizing non-medication pain management techniques that have no need of a facilitator or intercessor beyond education and initiation. The successful management of chronic pain most often requires comprehensive approaches that include self-care and psychological, functional-restorative, and alternative-integrative approaches to complement medical treatments. Many patients with chronic pain lack access to integrated multidisciplinary care; under these circumstances, patient education and pain self-management may play a critical role in recovery, especially in the context of substance use disorders. Self-management or self-directed approaches may include psychological self-help, behavioral approaches, online support, group support, nutrition, graded exercise, the use of OTC devices (e.g., TENS), self-guided movement therapies, and other approaches. Sections on spirituality, sleep, and nutrition complete the foundation of self-directed therapies. The authors note that it is crucial to motivate patients and their families to become active participants in their own treatment process.