Research Findings Using Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Chronic Pain

Abstract

Chronic pain is a complex condition that is very detrimental to physical and psychological wellbeing. It carries a significant level of disability and economic burden. Pain patients frequently experience comorbid mental illness (e.g. depression, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia) and often require psychotherapeutic interventions in addition to medication management. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged as a means to treat several chronic conditions (e.g. chronic pain, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, stress, insomnia). The objective of this review is to evaluate the current research on the use of MBIs in chronic pain managment. Although there are several controlled trials on the use of MBIs in chronic pain management, only a few studies were found that demonstrated significant effects on pain intensity, quality of life, as well as physical and psychological functioning. Therefore, the current evidence is mixed and there are insufficient data to definitively confirm the full impact of the use of MBIs in chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. The lack of compelling evidence at this time signals a demand for higher quality investigations in this area. Research examining MBIs and concomitant CBT may be of great value in order to synergize and strengthen patient outcomes.

Chronicle of an Indian psychiatrist's mindfulness journey retold

“…In the area of mental healthcare, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) find application in the treatment of a large number of psychiatric disorders. There is evidence in support of this in stress management, 18,19 pain management, 20,21 depression, [22][23][24] anxiety, [24][25][26] borderline personality disorder, 27 addiction management, 28 relapse prevention 29 and the like. During periods of severe crisis, MBIs have been found to be of benefit to the community.…”

Chronic Pain and Pharmacotherapy in Chronic Renal Patients on Hemodialysis

“…The presence of pain brings as a consequence the reduction of physical function [5], changes in the sleep pattern [6] [7], depressive symptoms, and hindering of the quality of life [8] [9]. Despite these limitations, it is a little valued symptom, in detriment to other priorities related to treatment [10], or under notified due to recognition and appropriate management barriers such as time limitations for assessing the patient, unavailability of evaluation instruments, lack of experience on the part of the professional, or belief that chronic pain is more difficult to be evaluated and handled [11].…”