How Psychology Can Help With Pain Management

It’s no secret that psychology plays a role in pain management. After all, it’s been shown time and again that our thoughts and emotions can influence how much pain we feel. Dr Brian Blick, Chief of Anesthesia at Great Plains Regional Medical Center, says that “psychology is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to pain management.” Let’s read his thoughts on how psychology can help manage pain.
1. Psychology Can Help You Understand Your Pain
We know that not all pain is created equal. For example, some people are more sensitive to pain than others, and some people experience pain differently based on their cultural background. By understanding the psychological factors that influence your experience of pain, you can gain a greater understanding of your own pain. This self-knowledge can be incredibly empowering and may help you to better cope with your pain on a day-to-day basis.
2. Psychology Can Help You Manage Your Expectations
It’s well-known that our expectations influence our reality. When it comes to pain, this means that if we expect to feel a lot of pain, we probably will. On the other hand, if we have more realistic expectations about our pain, we may find that it’s not as bad as we thought it would be. Managing our expectations is a key part of managing our pain.
3. Psychology Can Help You Find Meaning In Your Pain
When we’re in pain, it’s easy to feel like we’re alone and that no one understands what we’re going through. But the truth is, there are often other people who have experienced similar things and who can relate to what we’re going through. Finding meaning in our pain—whether it’s connecting with others or finding a greater purpose in life—can help us to better cope with the challenges we’re facing.
Conclusion
In summary, Dr Brian Blick psychology plays an important role in pain management by helping us to understand our pain, manage our expectations, and find meaning in our pain. If you’re struggling with pain, I encourage you to seek out the help of a mental health professional who can help you to better understand and cope with your pain.