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

                      576 ratings

                      More shows like Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

                      View all
                      The Social Work Podcast by Jonathan B. Singer, Ph.D., LCSW

                      The Social Work Podcast

                      506 Listeners

                      The Trauma Therapist by Guy Crawford Macpherson

                      The Trauma Therapist

                      527 Listeners

                      The Psychology Podcast by iHeartPodcasts

                      The Psychology Podcast

                      1,854 Listeners

                      Therapy Chat by Laura Reagan, LCSW-C

                      Therapy Chat

                      666 Listeners

                      Counselling Tutor by Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes

                      Counselling Tutor

                      121 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

                      2,401 Listeners

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

                      Therapist Uncensored Podcast

                      1,373 Listeners

                      The Couples Therapist Couch by Shane Birkel

                      The Couples Therapist Couch

                      255 Listeners

                      Attachment Theory in Action by The Knowledge Center

                      Attachment Theory in Action

                      153 Listeners

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

                      Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast

                      1,295 Listeners

                      Light Up The Couch by Clearly Clinical

                      Light Up The Couch

                      321 Listeners

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

                      Therapy in a Nutshell

                      504 Listeners

                      Trauma Rewired by Jennifer Wallace & Elisabeth Kristof

                      Trauma Rewired

                      289 Listeners

                      Complex Trauma Recovery by Kina Penelope

                      Complex Trauma Recovery

                      168 Listeners

                      Psychology Unplugged by Dr. Corey J. Nigro

                      Psychology Unplugged

                      675 Listeners