Anyone ever used Biofeedback or a Shrink for Pain Mgmt?

I've been in severe chronic pain for over 10 years.  I'm sure much of it is psychosematic at this point, where it's all my brain/synapses/body knows how to act.  Therefore, when I really shouldn't be in much pain--my body thinks it is.  In other words, maybe my pain tolerance in my shoulders and lats is just far too sensitive.

I've heard/read a bit about psychiatrists and biofeedback before, but have never tried them.  Any thoughts?  Voodo "witch doctors" or not?  At this point, though, I'm not against trying voodoo.

LakeMurray,
It's definitely not voodoo. It sounds like you've read some about the brain and what happens with pain, and one of the ways to help break the pain feedback loop. It takes a lot of practice, and willingness to incorporate some form of biofeedback or deep relaxation/meditation into your daily life, but there is evidence that the brain is more amenable to change than we may now think.

Someone trained in dealing with pain would be the best teacher. Biofeedback is useful for many things, including lowering blood pressure, managing stress, etc. so it can't ever hurt to learn it. It may not cure the pain, but should be able to help moderate it. I think there are other factors with each case, like how much actual nerve damage has been done, among other things.

It definitely can't hurt. And a good pain psychologist likely can teach it to you.

PaLady

Dear Murry,

Good evening. My name is Dani. It is a pleasure to meet you. *hugg*

I saw a pain psychologist for a very long time. I didnt understand pain, nor was I able to effectivly communicate how I was feeling. I would say "I don't feel so hot". Instead of "There is a deep pressure at the base of my spine that stings and the pain spikes, when too severe, cause me to vomit or pass out". Big difference

So, I was taught everything about pain. The mechanics of pain ~~> the effects of long term pain ~~~> How to effectivly communicate what I felt. Recoganizing the "warning signs" and reacting to them (calling for help)..... Then cognitive behavioural therapy.

Then it was off to bio feedback. I spent months learning bio feedback which is extremly useful for pain management. I still enjoy it on a daily basis. Also, much later the same techniques would be used to help calm me during "out patient surgicals" & while in "twilight state" (same key phrases) IE steroid injections, surgeries, extensive / painful tests.

I guess each person has their own needs and wants from their doctors. I had a very hard time understanding that the pain was never decreasing... it was my body adapting to the new levels. So... by the time I asked for help... I had allowed things to progress for far too long.

One thing I can say with certianty is that I wouldnt be the "me" I am today without the help of my pain psychologist. No voodoo needed. Hope that helped a little. It was a very long spring / summer journey for me, but was needed, in my case, no doubt about it. Was well worth it, for me, my family and most of all my doctors.

LakeMurray,
You can first ask your PM doctor if he/she knows of or works with any pain psychologists/therapists. If not, you can ask your insurance company if they have anyone listed with that specialty. And you can get a list of names of therapists from your insurance company and start calling them and asking if they know someone in the area who specializes in work with CPPs. Often the therapists in a location know the specialties of others.

In the meantime, you can start learning some deep relaxation using guided imagery all by yourself. The only thing biofeedback adds are monitors that let you know (a beep, a light, some signal) when you've lowered you heart rate or blood pressure to a certain stage. There are other aspects that can be added, but learning to relax your body and mind is a great start.

Some excellent resources are made by Belleruth Naparstek, who is a licensed therapist who started her work with the Cleveland Clinic, and now trains a lot of people on a national level. I have no financial connection whatsoever (other than that I buy and use her materials, and recommend them), so I think it's ok to give her website. It's
www.healthjourneys.com.

Her material is used in a lot of research studies because she makes sure the music and the imagery are all based on accurate science.

Good luck!

PaLady

Wow. Thanks for all the info.  Y'all are the best.

Mark