NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENTS

Drug treatment is not very effective alone in the treatment of persistent, complex pain syndromes, unless administered in conjunction with other psychological interventions1, 2, 3, 5.

Where possible non-drug treatment strategies should be introduced early and may include1, 3, 5:

  • Patient/family education
  • Preventing deconditioning with “paced” physical exercise
    • Deconditioning
    • Pacing
  • Psychological interventions
    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
    • Other psychological interventions
  • Physiotherapy
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Social and occupational functioning
  • Complementary and alternative therapies
  • Surgery and other invasive procedures
    • Spinal cord stimulators
    • Epidural corticosteroid injections
    • Diagnostic spinal assessment