When you are suffering with chronic pain or fibromyalgia on an everyday basis, it can become a burden that you carry around with you everywhere you go.  It can unknowingly effect your life and the lives of those around you.  You may have tried every type of medication and procedure available, but the truth is that you must have a mixture of both medical and alternative treatment options to help you relieve pain.  This is where cognitive behavior therapy comes in.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps patients identify and change the anxious thoughts and behaviors that are so common with chronic pain disorders.  When patients are able to change their negative thoughts, they are developing skills to cope with the pain, accepting it and not fighting against it. 

The brain receives the signals of pain and if you are suffering with chronic anxiety and stress, that stress is making your pain worse.  It is a cycle.  That pain is worse, which triggers more stress and anxiety, which then triggers more pain.  Where does it end!

Working with a counselor or a support group is a great way to start the journey into CBT.  Local Georgia counselor, Anastasia Bean talks about group therapy classes and their benefit to chronic pain sufferers.  “Group therapy is a powerful resource that can promote a greater understanding and help to create a new perspective through empowering a changed attitude that will promote joy, peace, and contentment despite your pain.”

Therapy from a professional counselor, or a support group, is a great place to start for those suffering with chronic pain.  It is also important to work with a qualified physician to help manage your pain.  Check out lowbackpain.com for more information about our treatment options.

Sources:

Anastasia Bean, MS, LAPC, NCC, Chronic Pain Support Group Leader, 678-784-4293, adbean@mac.com

http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/features/cognitive-behavioral

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