Description
009: Living Beyond Pain: Changing the Brain through Non-pharmacological Treatments
Linda Mintle, Ph.D.
Liberty University
College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM)
306 Liberty View Ln.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
Summary
Why is chronic pain so difficult to treat, and why aren’t opioids the answer? Which non-pharmacological approaches can psychologists and counselors use to help ease chronic pain? Since chronic pain changes the central nervous system and is both a sensory and emotional experience, the brain can learn to modulate pain with various behavioral interventions. Understanding behavioral interventions for pain management is needed to help combat the current opioid epidemic and bring relief to those who suffer. This workshop will focus on evidence-based mind-body interventions that turn down the volume on pain, alter pain perception, and improve function.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
• Describe the difference between acute and chronic pain and discuss how chronic pain develops through central sensitization
• Analyze the role of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors on turning down the volume of pain and explore how mind-body treatments change pain perception
• Describe evidence-based tools and techniques aimed at reducing chronic pain and increasing patient functioning for licensed mental health professionals and psychologists
