Are Self-Management Strategies Effective in Chronic Pain Treatment?

Abstract

It has long been recognized that in the management of chronic illnesses generally, medical care alone is unlikely to be sufficient without the active contribution of the patient. This perspective has also been enunciated in numerous guidelines for the management of chronic pain. However, in the case of chronic pain at least, the nature and role of self-management have been poorly defined and, as a result, poorly understood and researched. This review considers the nature of self-management strategies for chronic pain, evidence of their effectiveness and ways in which self-management can be facilitated for those in chronic pain. A research and training agenda is proposed for where this work could go next.

KEYWORDS:

• chronic pain
• cognitive–behavioral therapy
• disability
• pain management
• self-management
• strategies

^†Data taken from [18].

^‡Data taken from [24].

Financial & competing interest disclosure

M Nicholas receives royalties from a book written for people living with pain (Manage Your Pain: Nicholas MK, Molloy A, Tonkin L, Beeston L. Published by ABC Books, Sydney, Australia, 2000). This book is not cited in the manuscript. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.