What exactly is a pain rehabilitation center? When all else fails in the treatment of chronic pain, the rehab becomes a “go to location” to try to stop the downward spiraling of a life filled with pain’s destructive cycles impeding the quality of living.
Mayo Clinic’s February 2019 Newsletter tells us that there is no specific set point to seek this help. However, the medical institution does comment “… the term “pain rehabilitation” implies learning to cope with pain, rather than to completely eliminate it.” They continue, “It typically occurs after you and your doctor/s have sought an explanation for your pain and have attempted to identify effective medical treatments but were unsuccessful.”
Pain Rehabilitation Centers (PRC) offer, through their numerous programs, a range of day classes that can extend to a few days or even into several weeks. During this time, the patient will stay at the medical facility. A team approach will include physician specialists, psychologists, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists and occupational therapists. Social workers, dietitians, chaplains, acupuncturists and yoga/tai-chi instructors may often be included, as well. This cooperation of experts, working together, attempts to discover the far-reaching effects of your chronic pain and its effect on your family.
One preferred approach used by pain specialists everywhere is that of biofeedback. This therapy uses a machine-driven sensor to monitor the patient’s stress-related physical reactions to pain. Our newsletter informs us that “Real-time data of your reactions is displayed on a screen or as a sound, and you gradually train your (brain’s) cortex to control and calm these physical reactions … ” Biofeedback may be used with other treatments such as meditation, and is used best for treatments of migraines, tension headaches, and jaw pain. Fibromyalgia, back and neck pain, and abdominal pain do not respond as well to this therapy.
If deciding on a treatment center, do ask yourself these questions:
1. Are the staff willing to listen to your situation?
2. Does the program have a long-range success rate?
3. Is the center’s program certified or accredited?
4. How much does the time spent there cost?
*** Be wary of programs that include follow-up services that advocate the long-term use of opioids, and routinely include surgery, or rely on unproven therapies (herbal supplements or homeopathy).
International research scientists are busy in their labs working on solving chronic pain management for now and the future. There is “light at the end of the tunnel!”
Mayo Clinic finalizes my 4 part series on this topic by adding this extended quote: “Keep in mind that some treatments will work right away, some will work only after a while, and some may not work at all. Finding the right mix requires perseverance. But the end result … a life in which you’re in charge, not your pain … can make it all worthwhile.”
