Chronic pain
As the Quebec Pain Research Network reports, “the epidemiology of pain leaves no doubt about its prevalence. According to data concerning Quebec taken from a Canadian study (Agency for the Evaluation of Technologies and Modes of Intervention in Health (AETMIS), Management of chronic (non-cancer) pain, summary, May 2006.), the prevalence of chronic pain was 20% among adult men and 24% among women in 1996. However, Quebecers do not suffer more than elsewhere. The results of a large European study (15 countries – 46,394 participants4) carried out in 2002 showed rates comparable to those in America: 12% in Spain, 30% in Norway. » (Luc Dupont, science journalist).
What is it?
Pain is a sensory signal linked to the presence of actual or potential damage to organic tissues resulting in an unpleasant experience. The purpose of this signal is to inform the organization that its integrity is threatened. According to the international definition, we speak of chronic pain when it persists for more than six months despite adequate treatment.
Acute pain is distinguished from chronic pain in that the former corresponds to the sensory signal that is triggered just after the injury occurs. It is this signal that pushes the person to consult and receive appropriate care leading to consolidation of the injury.
Concerning chronic pain, it occupies more and more space in the person's life and becomes the central problem. The repercussions can be of several types:
- Psychological (development of erroneous beliefs, depressive and anxious symptoms, dysfunctional pain behaviors, kinesiophobia, insomnia, etc.)
- Functional (stoppage of professional occupation, leisure activities, physical activity)
- Social (isolation, loss of social role)
Thus, it is easy to understand that the management of chronic pain requires the implementation of multidisciplinary interventions (kinesiology, occupational therapy, psychology, medical, etc.).
What are the main causes?
The causes of chronic pain can be multiple. Here are some examples:
- Illness (cancer, for example)
- Physical injuries
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
What psychotherapy interventions?
Cognitive-behavioral approaches have demonstrated their effectiveness in the management of chronic pain, for various causes. What is mainly aimed at by these approaches is the modulation of the feeling of pain. This is made possible thanks to:
- modulation of attention given to pain (mental imagery, relaxation, mindfulness)
- the modulation of expectations regarding treatment
- modulation of the meaning given to pain (knowledge of one's condition, modification of erroneous beliefs)
- Mood modulation