How well does cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for pain management work?
CBT is helpful because it teaches you how to change thoughts and behaviors that can make pain worse. It also teaches you how to add activity. Some activities, like walking or swimming, can relieve pain.
Why is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for pain management done?
The goals of CBT for pain are to help you to:
- Better understand your diagnosis and your symptoms.
- Set goals and plan for how to achieve them.
- Learn to notice thoughts and beliefs that aren't helpful, and then replace them with more helpful or encouraging thoughts.
- Learn to identify and change behaviors that can make pain worse.
- Manage other conditions that can happen along with pain, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.
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