Managing Chronic Pain

Chronic pain has a multitude of causes, many of which are not well understood or effectively treated by medical therapies. Individuals with chronic pain often report that pain interferes with their ability to engage in occupational, social, or recreational activities. Sufferers' inability to engage in these everyday activities may contribute to increased isolation, negative mood and physical deconditioning, which in turn can exacerbate their experience of pain. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has been proven effective at managing various chronic pain conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic back pain, and tension/migraine headache. The CBT treatment engages patients in an active coping process aimed at changing maladaptive thoughts and behaviours that can serve to maintain and exacerbate the experience of chronic pain. Designed to be used in conjunction with formal therapy, this Workbook presents tools to help patients manage their chronic pain and regain control of their lives.