[Psychological therapy as part of an interdisciplinary treatment of chronic back pain]

Providing the patient with a pain model based on the biopsychosocial approach is one of the most important issues in psychological intervention. Illness behaviour is influenced by pain-eliciting and pain-aggravating thoughts. Identification and modification of these thoughts is essential and aims to change cognitive evaluations, emotional processing, and pain-referred behaviour. Improved self-monitoring concerning maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviour enables functional coping strategies (e.g. attention diversion and learning to enjoy things) and enhances self-efficacy expectancies. Of special importance is the establishment of an appropriate balance between stress and recreation. Intervention options include teaching relaxation techniques, problem-solving strategies, and specific skills as well as applying appropriate elements of cognitive therapy. The development of alternative cognitive and action-based strategies improves the patient's ability to cope with internal and external stressors. All of the psychological elements are carried out in a group setting. Additionally, individual therapy is offered to treat comorbidities or to support reintegration into the patient's job.