Mindfulness-based interventions for chronic pain: Evidence and applications

Muhammad Hassan Majeed, Natchaug Hospital
Ali Ahsan Ali, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Donna M. Sudak, Department of Psychiatry, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

Abstract

© 2017 Chronic pain is estimated to occur in from 5.5% to 33% of the world's adult population (Gureje et al., 1998). Chronic pain is frequently treated with opiates, which has produced an opiate addiction crisis (Dowell et al., 2016). Several non-pharmacological treatment alternatives can help manage chronic pain. There is moderate evidence that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) such as meditation, yoga, and stress reduction lower the perception of pain, increase mobility, improve functioning and well-being. By integrating MBIs and other therapeutic interventions in a multi-disciplinary pain management plan, clinicians can improve treatment outcomes and potentially decrease pain-related medication utilization.