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Chronic Orofacial Pain and Behavioral Medicine
Robert L Merrill1, Donald Goodman1
1Graduate Orofacial Pain Program, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America
|August 1, 2016
Summary
Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices can help manage chronic orofacial pain. These therapies empower patients with tools to downregulate pain and improve their quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Pain Management
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Chronic orofacial pain disorders are frequently associated with significant psychological distress.
- Traditional treatments like procedures and medications may not provide adequate pain relief for many patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the role of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and related therapies in managing orofacial pain.
- To explore how mindfulness practices can modulate pain disorders.
- To highlight exercises and practices that help patients downregulate pain.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain.
- Discussion of mindfulness-based interventions for pain management.
- Exploration of patient-centered exercises and self-management strategies.
Main Results:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices show promise in modulating chronic orofacial pain.
- These therapeutic approaches can help patients understand and actively participate in pain management.
- Patients gain a broader 'toolbox' of self-management techniques for pain relief.
Conclusions:
- Psychological distress is a key factor in chronic orofacial pain.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness offer effective non-pharmacological strategies for pain modulation.
- Empowering patients with self-management tools is crucial for improving outcomes in orofacial pain disorders.
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