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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a talk therapy where patients speak with a professional to break down negative mental constructs from conditions like chronic pain. A form of psychotherapy, CBT includes a range of strategies aimed at enhancing coping skills, increasing confidence, and changing how individuals respond to pain. With therapy, patients can often change their thoughts, behaviors, perception, and physical response to pain.
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Although unexpected, CBT can greatly help patients cope with both the physical and emotional symptoms of chronic pain by giving them a better understanding of what they are going through. CBT is most often used together with other pain management treatments including medications, physical therapy, exercise, meditation, massage, and surgery.

Taking action helps one feel in control and capable of impacting their personal situation. This therapy helps patients learn coping mechanisms that are applicable to everyday life. CBT can be practiced without a therapist using self-help literature or applications like PainScale.

In general, there are few side effects from CBT therapy. Some common side effects might include: frustration, anger, anxiety, or stress.

Source: Mayo Clinic, WebMD
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