With all this research on how we feel affecting how we feel pain, why have doctors not yet found out how to treat the pain?
The idea that psychological issues and psychosocial issues affect how we feel and interpret pain has been researched for quite some time now. Unfortunately, although the idea is there and some research definitely points in the direction of psychology affecting some aspects of pain, there isn't any hard evidence on many ways that doctors can use this knowledge to treat pain. The medical community is moving forward on the psychology and pain connection. For example, often patients who are living with chronic pain may be referred to support groups or counselors, in order to find ways to cope better with the pain. Many people catastrophize the pain, making things worse than they may really be. Since this is a reaction that they may not realize they are doing, getting help to notice this and reverse the thought process can help reduce the pain. Research is continuing and as it continues, doctors will have new ideas to try until the find the right approach for each patient.
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