Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

1045-CBT Tools to Address Chronic Pain_ It is NOT all in your head!

Listen Later

Biopsychosocial Impact of Pain

  • Chronic pain affects not just the body but also mental health, including anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
  • Pain can disrupt circadian rhythms, causing sleep issues, and leads to grief due to loss of function or identity.

    • Types of Prevention

    • Primary prevention focuses on preventing pain flare-ups and pain conditions.
    • Secondary prevention aims at stopping pain from worsening during a flare-up.
    • Tertiary prevention works to prevent secondary issues like depression, addiction, or anxiety caused by chronic pain.

      Evaluating Pain

      • Understand whether the pain is acute or chronic, its quality (e.g., stabbing, throbbing), and if it's constant or intermittent.
      • Behavioral health professionals should help clients identify and differentiate between "normal" pain and distress that can be managed.

        • Balance and Ergonomics

        • It's important to maintain muscular balance between different parts of the body, as imbalance can lead to spasms or worsening pain.
        • Pay attention to ergonomics at work, home, and even when sitting for long periods to prevent unnecessary strain.

          • Exercise and Stretching

          • Gentle movement like stretching, Tai Chi, or yoga can help with mobility and prevent stiffness, which contributes to pain.
          • Avoid overtraining, as this can lead to setbacks in pain management.

            • Nutrition and Supplements

            • Omega-3s, vitamin D, and antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and improve pain management.
            • Ensure a balanced diet, but always consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes.

              • Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

              • VNS, triggered through slow diaphragmatic breathing, promotes relaxation and can help reduce pain.
              • Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (TVNS) with a TENS unit can also help manage pain and inflammation.

                • Stress and Pain

                • Chronic stress disrupts the body's ability to suppress pain and inflammation, often worsening pain.
                • Managing stress through relaxation, reducing alcohol, and engaging in mindfulness techniques can reduce pain's intensity.

                  • Pharmacotherapy and Medical Interventions

                  • Medication can help manage pain, but it often just masks the pain rather than treating the underlying cause.
                  • Patients should work with their healthcare provider to find a balanced approach to pain management that may include over-the-counter options, opioids, or adjuvant therapies like muscle relaxants or corticosteroids.

                    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Techniques

                    • Use CBT to help patients change the way they think about their pain, reducing emotional distress.
                    • Techniques like guided imagery, distraction, and radical acceptance are crucial tools for helping patients focus on what they can control and improve their quality of life despite chronic pain.


                      • Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

                      ...more
                      View all episodesView all episodes
                      Download on the App Store
                      Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipesBy Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
                      • 4.7
                      • 4.7
                      • 4.7
                      • 4.7
                      • 4.7

                      4.7

                      589 ratings

                      More shows like Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

                      View all
                      Psychology In Seattle Podcast by Kirk Honda

                      Psychology In Seattle Podcast

                      1,130 Listeners

                      The Trauma Therapist by Guy Crawford Macpherson

                      The Trauma Therapist

                      528 Listeners

                      Therapy Chat by Laura Reagan, LCSW-C

                      Therapy Chat

                      684 Listeners

                      Counselling Tutor by Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes

                      Counselling Tutor

                      122 Listeners

                      Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson by Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Forrest Hanson

                      Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

                      2,467 Listeners

                      Therapist Uncensored Podcast by Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP & Ann Kelley PhD

                      Therapist Uncensored Podcast

                      1,387 Listeners

                      Attachment Theory in Action by The Knowledge Center

                      Attachment Theory in Action

                      148 Listeners

                      The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy by Curt Widhalm, LMFT and Katie Vernoy, LMFT

                      The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

                      240 Listeners

                      Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast by David Puder, M.D.

                      Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast

                      1,321 Listeners

                      Light Up The Couch by Clearly Clinical

                      Light Up The Couch

                      321 Listeners

                      The Healing Trauma Podcast by Monique Koven

                      The Healing Trauma Podcast

                      427 Listeners

                      Notice That by Jen Savage, Melissa Benintendi, and Bridger Falkenstien

                      Notice That

                      308 Listeners

                      Therapy in a Nutshell by Therapy in a Nutshell -Emma McAdam

                      Therapy in a Nutshell

                      534 Listeners

                      Trauma Rewired by Jennifer Wallace & Elisabeth Kristof

                      Trauma Rewired

                      305 Listeners

                      Psychology Unplugged by Dr. Corey J. Nigro

                      Psychology Unplugged

                      691 Listeners