What therapy helps with chronic pain?

Cognitive behavioral therapy is widely recommended as an effective treatment for chronic pain, clinicians and researchers say. A growing body of evidence, including Cochrane reviews and randomized trials, indicates that CBT helps reduce pain intensity, improve function and decrease reliance on opioids. Dr. Maria Gonzalez, a pain psychologist at University Medical Center, emphasized that CBT trains patients to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that magnify pain and disability.

Clinical guidelines from pain societies endorse CBT as part of a multidisciplinary plan that may also include physical therapy, occupational therapy and, when indicated, medications. Meta-analyses report small-to-moderate effect sizes for CBT on pain and mood, with benefits sustained at follow-up in many studies. Complementary therapies such as acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have also shown promise, especially for patients who struggle with persistent emotional distress.

Accessibility has expanded through telehealth programs and group formats. A 2019 trial found remotely delivered CBT reduced pain interference and improved quality of life, and pain clinics increasingly integrate virtual behavioral health. Experts caution that therapy is not a cure; instead, it is a tool to enhance coping, return to activity and reduce disability.

Health professionals urge individualized care. Physical therapists assess movement and graded exercise tolerance; pain psychologists tailor CBT techniques, including pacing, relaxation training and cognitive restructuring. Insurance coverage varies, and wait times can be long, prompting calls for broader training and referral networks.

Patients considering therapy are advised to seek licensed mental health providers with pain expertise and to ask about evidence-based approaches. "Therapy helps people regain control and functionality," Dr. Gonzalez said. "When combined with physical rehabilitation and medical management, psychological therapies are a cornerstone of effective chronic pain care." Health systems are urged to expand access and fund training so evidence-based psychological pain treatments become widely available nationwide.