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Chronic pain will disable more people in the U.S. than cancer and heart disease combined this year. Between 75 and 90 million Americans deal with chronic pain, and approximately 25 million from acute pain that requires treatment. What is worse, perhaps, is that many pain sufferers never receive adequate relief: 40% of cancer patients don’t, and neither do 50% of post-surgery patients. Texas is no exception. Prospering pain management clinics in every major city in the state, from Houston, to Austin, to Dallas reflect this reality.

Pain is classified as chronic when it has occurred either continually, or intermittently, over a period longer than six months. Conditions of chronic pain can lead to anxiety, fear, depression, lack of activity, and unemployment, not only causing suffering, but also costing the nation billions in lost working hours, medical charges, and workers’ compensation.

The management of this condition, then, is arguably one of the more pressing health issues today throughout Texas and the rest of the United States. Particularly with the proper health insurance coverage, these conditions can be effectively treated, however, and, if not cured, at least managed.

While health institutions do their best to estimate statistics on pain, it’s been difficult to gather accurate data, partially due to hospital policies related to its management.

Until this year, when the Joint Commission began enforcing new regulations, hospitals in Texas and the rest of the country were not required to monitor a patient’s pain levels in the same manner as every other vital sign, which also made it difficult for health insurance policies to cover treatment. As a result, consistent pain data on any one condition, or after any particular procedure, was difficult to attain. Now, hospitals are required to do so, monitoring a patient’s pain levels frequently from check-in to check-out. This change in policy will supply new, enlightening information on the experience and management of painful conditions.

According to Zena Quezado, chief of the Department of Anesthesia and Surgical Services at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, pain levels are associated with several variables, including patient experience, perception of pain, age, gender, and type of pain.

The reasons behind inadequate pain relief, she says, are still unknown, but may be partially attributed to “mind responses.” Indeed, many health professionals agree that the psychological process is an important aspect of perceiving and managing pain. For some, it is a negative cycle of anxiety; worrying about the pain produces tension, which, in turn, tightens muscles and releases stress hormones, thereby increasing pain. For others, it is the perception of the pain that makes it unbearable.

This article will therefore explore some of the psychological aspects of, and treatments for, managing pain. In many instances, health insurance policies will cover treatments, particularly if referred by a qualified physician. Much of the information has been adapted from Prescriptions for Natural Healing by James F. Balch, M.D., and Phyllis A Balch, C.N.C. As always, consult a qualified health practitioner before undergoing any treatment.

(1) Biofeedback

Biofeedback operates on the principle that one can learn to control functions previously thought only involuntary, through the application of relaxation techniques and instant feedback regarding their efficacy. By monitoring responses such as heart rate and blood pressure, the idea is that the patient can modify his or her techniques in order to make them more effective. Biofeedback has proven effective in managing chronic pain situations in numerous experiments.

The method is relatively simple: Electrodes are (painlessly) attached to the skin, and the patient is instructed to practice a relaxation technique he or she is familiar with, such as meditation. The monitors then let the patient know if heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, pulse, muscle tension, and/or brain activity has decreased (or increased). Those biological responses can then be associated with pain level. It is believed that, over time, one can train himself/herself to make relaxation techniques more effective, use relaxation methods that best suit his or her needs, and train the body to be in that effective state more often on cue.

(2) Counseling

Counseling is an absolutely invaluable resource. Different pain levels experienced by members of different cultures during the same event provide interesting data on the effects of psychology. For instance, women in the United States are usually taught to fear childbirth for its levels of pain, while women in most European cultures are not. Not surprisingly, American women report higher levels of pain during childbirth and receive more anesthetic medications. The lesson: what we tell ourselves over time makes a big difference.

The right therapist will teach skills designed to help a chronic pain patient cope, hopefully assisting the sufferer in physically feeling less pain. Various methods have been employed with success, including cognitive behavioral therapy, stress management skills, deep breathing techniques, and other psychological exercises that, when practiced regularly, can change one’s thought patterns — which, consequently, can change the perception and experience of pain. It is essential for each individual to find the right counselor, and the right method.

(3) Relaxation Techniques

This is a broad term, utilized in Western culture to describe everything from yoga, to deep breathing exercises, to meditation, to guided imagery, though any single one could justify a category in itself. Briefly described below are three proven techniques.

Guided Imagery:

Guided imagery is a technique employing mental pictures to replace negative thoughts and emotions with positive ones. Indeed, negative emotions have been linked with decreased immune response, and positive emotions with increased immune response. This technique has been used effectively, in conjunction with other treatments, for rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and other painful illnesses. It has also been shown to slow heart rate, reduce stress, and stimulate the immune system — any one of which can reduce pain.

Hypnotherapy:

Professional hypnotherapy is designed to “generate a state of deep relaxation in which there is a heightened receptivity to suggestion through the calm repetition of words and statements.” Simple verbal suggestions applied during this time can help the patient block the sensation of pain, anxiety, fear, or other psychological issues that may be increasing, or causing, pain.

During a state of hypnosis, the patient’s mind is fully aware, but the body is curiously relaxed. A deep state of relaxation is induced, pulse rate and breathing slows, and blood pressure drops. Self-hypnosis is also possible with the right training, enabling a chronic pain sufferer to induce the state whenever necessary.

Meditation:

Familiar to most of us, at least in name, meditation is a technique thousands of years old, with innumerable subtypes. The main forms of meditation are grouped under either “mindfulness” or “concentrative” meditation.

Mindfulness meditation makes one aware of various outside stimuli, but trains the mind not to react. In concentrative meditation, the practitioner focuses on a single sound, object, or activity, such as one’s breath. Both bring about a calm, tranquil state when practiced over time, and focus awareness in the present moment — not anxieties or pain associated with the future or past.

When applied with proper technique, meditation has been shown to be an effective management strategy for reducing pain, decreasing anxiety and stress, and controlling conditions such as blood pressure. Classes are recommended to gain the full benefit.

Causes of chronic pain are challenging to diagnose, and the management of it even more difficult. But studies have proven that much power over this condition is in the patients’ hands — and that the mind has the final say in the level of pain experienced. After all, pain is not actually registered at the site of the injury, but in the brain itself. Through the disciplined application of techniques, and the diligence to find the ones that work best, chronic pain can be managed, and a higher level of functioning attained.



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If you have been facing persistent back pain symptoms and have been ignoring them so far, then it is now time to give it a serious thought. Pain in the back which is usually severe or gives out a burning sensation can be termed as Chronic Back Pain. chronic pain symptoms are usually faced due to inflammation of the spinal tissues and they last over weeks or even months.

Five Stages from Acute to Chronic Back Pain

In most of the cases back pain progresses from being acute pain to chronic pain. Following are the stages through which you would undergo incase of a back pain:

Stage 1: In this stage, the back pain is at a preliminary phase. Most of us would ignore this back pain considering it to be a usual pain and take rest or maybe catch up on some extra hours of sleep! This stage lasts for maximum 2 -3 days.

Stage 2: The pain refuses to subside and gets stronger. This time you decide to take a pain killer or apply some external ointment to kill the pain. The pain is as severe as stage 1, however still bearable.

Stage 3: You face acute pain in the back and the pain subsides due to pain killers but reappears. However the pain is faced only in one particular area of the back. This is a critical stage. Most of the times, appropriate actions are not taken by the victim to curb these pains. Till this stage 3, you are only facing acute back pain. These pains could last for a week or two.

Stage 4: Many a times, you would see a gap between stage 3 and 4. In this stage you face a severe burning sensation in your back. These pains slowly get unbearable.

Stage 5: In this stage, you observe that the pain is moving from the spinal cord to the hips and into the legs at times and now your pain can be termed as chronic back pain. It is vital to go through a back pain diagnosis and eventually undergo treatments if your pain has lasted not only days but weeks.

All through these stages you will observe that back pain can be self controlled, however only at early stages. Taking pain killers is also only a temporary solution. Rather indulge in some simple stretching back pain exercises at home which could eventually prove to be beneficial. If not totally, surely 50% is in your hands on how you control your chronic pain symptoms and not let them turn into chronic pain symptoms. Also at every stage of back pain it is important to carefully do back pain diagnosis at every stage to be able to provide the right observations to the doctor when needed.



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Although pain affects more than 76 million Americans, it can be an isolating experience. According to the American Pain Foundation, pain is a critical, biological warning sign to the body when something. Pain can signal injury, such as touching a hot oven, or an underlying disease or infection, such as cancer or shingles. Pain is classified as acute or chronic. Acute pain usually follows surgery or injury and resolves as the body heals itself. Pain is diagnosed as chronic when it persists after healing has taken place.

Failure to treat acute pain promptly and appropriately can contribute to the development of chronic pain syndromes. In such cases, pain signals remain active in the nervous system for weeks, months or even years. In addition, pain can lead to other health problems, causing damage to the body. If untreated, chronic pain can weaken the immune system, decrease the quality of life, create feelings of anger and depression, lead to a deterioration of relationships, and result in a loss of independence.

Many people wrongly assume they have to live with pain – that it is an inevitable part of their disease or condition, or a natural part of growing older. The fact is most pain can be relieved with proper pain management.

Pain should be assessed thoroughly and treated early and aggressively. Early treatment is the best way to minimize the suffering and disability often associated with under-treated pain.

It’s important to become your own best advocate as you navigate the road to pain relief and reclaim your life. The earlier you seek treatment, the better. Following are some helpful things to keep in mind from the American Pain Foundation:

In the search for a healthcare provider who will help you reach your goals of pain relief and management, you may have been told, “Nothing more can be done to ease your pain,” or “You’ll just have to live with it.” If this is your situation, take the time to find a healthcare provider who has the education, skills and willingness to work with you to manage pain. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Only you know the extent of your pain and how it affects your quality of life.

Consider starting a pain notebook, a tool to help you keep a record of pain. The notebook should include when the pain occurs, for how long, the level of pain, and its impact on day-to-day life. Keeping track of what things make your pain better or worse will help your healthcare team find the best ways to treat pain.

Knowledge is power. There are a variety of drug and non-drug therapies (e.g., physical therapy, yoga, meditation) available to effectively control pain. These are typically used in combination. Ask your healthcare provider about ways to relax and cope with pain. Pain can feel worse if you are stressed, depressed or anxious. Be an informed consumer and learn all you can about pain and pain management options.

As you work with your healthcare provider, set realistic goals for things you most want to do. Do you want to achieve better sleep? Begin exercising or return work? Begin with the easiest goals first. Set realistic goals for pain relief. Persistent pain tends not to disappear. Look for a provider who will work with you to get you to the point where you can “live life again.”

Prior to appointments, write down questions you have and let your provider know if there is something you don’t understand. Also, bring along a relative or close friend to provide support and to help take notes and remember what was said. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget or misunderstand what was explained during doctor’s appointments. Having someone else there to process the information can be a great boost to your appointments.

During initial appointments, share with your provider what over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements you take, at what does and how often. Also, be honest about personal health habits, such as smoking, alcohol use, etc., which can interfere with some pain treatments and increase pain levels.

Finally, find out about support groups and educational programs in your area or online. Also seek the support and encouragement of friends and family members when you need them. They can provide the incentive you need to not give up in your quest for pain relief. And remember, there will be both good and bad days. Give yourself some grace as you traverse the road to pain relief.



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Chronic pain has plugged into thousands and millions of people in this fast developing world. There are number of cases found suffering from chronic pain conditions and takes a long period of time to recover. People tempt to get chronic pain relief through some natural ways. Around 50 to 80 millions of Americans are suffering form chronic pain condition. The chronic pain if treated at an earlier stage can be well treated but if it sustains for a longer period than the situation can become worse. Chronic pain relives the flow of harmful hormones, such as cortisol which plays a major role in adversely affecting the immune system and kidney function.

Chronic pain relief has now emerged with new and great techniques and treatments. The researchers and surgeons are now enhanced with effective drugs to implant and electrical stimulation. The birth of chronic pain can be due to various reasons like from an accident affecting much too sensitive veins and muscles, back injuries, an injury caused while playing sport, and chronic pain can also be occur from health conditions like migraines, diabetes, arthritis, shingles, and cancer. It is not important that a person will be suffering from chronic pain only; he may suffer from acute pain too. The acute pain causes are also the same as chronic pain but the difference lies as the acute pain easily and quickly subside after treatment. The foremost distinguish feature between acute pain and chronic pain is the duration of time. Chronic pain can be for a longer period of time and severe and unbearable. While acute pain subside the pain gradually and swiftly within a short period of time.

One should be smart enough to take precise care of his/her health in a pragmatic way. A patient can opt to treat in a natural or surgical way. Acupuncture, acupressure, massage therapy or if any alternative therapy are some natural ways which can be best suited for your health. In acupuncture you just need to locate the pressure points to heal the body pain and feel relax and comfortable. Acupuncture is done by way of needles and acupressure is done by way of hands. This therapy gives the relaxation to our muscles helps to keep your mind calm. Even doing medication acts as assistance to cure your chronic back pain relief. Pain relief supplements can provide only temporary relief.

Thus, to deal with chronic pain relief you can even join a support group of patients suffering from same pain. You need to be habituated of taking healthy diet including some fruits and fresh juices which plays a vital role in curing the unbearable pain. A patient suffering from chronic pain needs to develop positive mental attitude to strengthen his/her mind.



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