Parallel Pains and Dynamic Dilemmas: Psychodynamic Considerations in Approaching and Managing Chronic Physical Pain

Chronic physical pain is prevalent condition and has gained considerable attention in the wake of the opioid crisis and epidemic. As a medical phenomenon, it has highlighted significant gaps in healthcare training, finances, clinical service, and administration. The psychodynamic determinants of pain symptoms or the need for analgesia are rarely considered in the medical management of this problem. The specific objective of this article is to offer a general psychodynamic understanding of chronic physical pain. As a psychodynamically oriented, medically informed psychiatrist practicing in a multidisciplinary pain management program, I propose a clinical construct of psychologically rich "parallel pains" to chronic physical pain, and that these pains inform important interpersonal issues dubbed "dynamic dilemmas." Chronic physical pain is defined, clinical examples are provided, and general implications are considered.