Relaxation techniques in treatment of chronic pain

Four spinal cord injured patients with complaints of chronic pain were treated with muscle relaxation and cognitive alteration of attentiveness to pain. The patients reported pain below the level of the spinal lesion; relaxation procedures were directed to muscle groups above and below the level of lesion. Indices of improvement are the patient's subjective report and the staff observations of behavior during the rehabilitation program. Subjective reports were primarily of less pain and improved mood. Staff observations included better program attendance and improved mood. The implications of this approach for rehabilitation and its relationship to psychological theories of pain are discussed.