Breaking the cycle that keeps pain in charge.
Chronic pain has a way of creating a downward spiral. A pain psychologist helps you climb back out of it.
How it helps
Avoidance leads to deconditioning, deconditioning increases stress, and stress feeds right back into the pain, along with sleep, mood, and relationships. A pain psychologist won't repair the original physical cause, so pain may persist, but they can help you rebuild function, sleep, mood, and connection so those things stop feeding the cycle.
How to find one
Ask any potential provider four questions: Do they have specific training in chronic pain? Do they understand the biopsychosocial model? Are they trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness? Do they work with multidisciplinary teams? A connection to a functional restoration program is a good sign.
Other professionals worth knowing about.
You don't have to build this team alone.
CRUSH gives you the daily foundations. The right professionals fill in the rest.