Here’s the problem… millions of Americans currently taking opioids for chronic pain, but according to Beth Darnall, PhD1, a Stanford pain psychologist in her book, Psychological Treatment for Patients With Chronic Pain:
“Chronic pain is rarely eliminated with opioids” and “Research has shown that on average, long term use of opioids reduce pain only by about 25 to 30 percent. But many people don’t tolerate them at all due to side effects.”
It also important to know that long term use of pain medication comes with a long list of side effects including constipation, addiction, hormone imbalance, insomnia, inflammation, and worsening pain control.
What even this the solution to your chronic pain problems? You are. Your pain includes bother physical and emotional issues. The power of your mind, when properly trained, can provide an important contribution to control of your pain and your life.
You might find it beneficial to consider pain management techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, meditation, hypnosis and biofeedback. But, you might find opening your mind to these methods is more difficult than opening another bottle of pills.