A plea to providers: This is why biopsychosocial treatment of chronic pain works [Guest post by Devra Sheldon]

/ Inspire Santé/
A plea to providers: This is why biopsychosocial treatment of chronic pain works [Guest post by Devra Sheldon]

Healthcare providers may be aware of the presence of yellow flags in a patient’s history, such as a major accident, depression, catastrophization, or prior trauma or abuse (to name a few), but not consider it related to the patient’s clinical presentation of pain. But it is. Prior pain experience shapes pain perception.

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A history of pain does NOT mean that any activity is off-limits for you.

/ Inspire Santé/
A history of pain does NOT mean that any activity is off-limits for you.

Exercise feels good, it’s empowering, and it’s taught me to be in-tune with my strengths in a way I didn’t realize possible.  I’ve formed friendships, gained confidence, and found community.  And, had I listened to those providers who long ago told me I should live more gently, I would’ve missed out on the entire experience.

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Why providers should hear my patient story

/ Inspire Santé/
Why providers should hear my patient story

If you’re a provider who treats those who hurt, I urge you to stay above the chaos of pain’s wrecking ball.  You need to remain logical, focused on the end-goal and the pain science and the sensitivity of the patient’s nervous system.  You need to be willing to refer patients to other providers.  Be careful not to attempt treatments that are likely to worsen the patient’s suffering, simply because you’ve exhausted all other treatment modalities.

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When the "best" treatment fails.

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When the "best" treatment fails.

This treatment, and these PTs, weren't going to be the ones to get me better. This was true despite how badly they wanted to help me and despite how compliant I had been with their treatments.  It was true despite how passionately they felt about pelvic floor disorders, how much book knowledge and certificates about my issues they possessed, and how personally involved with my case they felt.  These women genuinely, deeply cared for me. 

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