Positive Health Online

Abstract

FLOR and DIERS, Department of Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Heidelberg, Central Institute of Mental Health, J 5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany, flor@zi-mannheim.de, have reviewed (23
references) behavioural approaches to chronic pain.

Abstract: Pharmacological treatment is most appropriate in acute pain, whereas in chronic pain states behavioural approaches or a combination of behavioural treatment and pharmacological therapy is more appropriate. In this chapter, the role of learning and memory as well as other psychological factors in the development of chronic pain is described, emphasizing that chronic pain must be viewed as the result of a learning process with resulting central neuroplastic changes. Operant behavioural and cognitive-behavioural treatments as well as biofeedback and relaxation techniques are described, and innovative treatment procedures aimed at altering central pain memories are presented. Finally, combined behavioural and pharmacological approaches are discussed in an interdisciplinary view.

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References

Flor H, Diers M. Limitations of pharmacotherapy: behavioral approaches to chronic pain.  Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology  (177) :415-427, 2007.