Mindfulness as a Treatment for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain afflicts large numbers of people in the US—more than 20% of adults, according to 2016 figures. It is most commonly treated with medication, which is a major factor in the opioid addiction crisis. Over the last 20 years, the number of opioid prescriptions has quadrupled, and that figure is matched by the number of opiate-related deaths. Yet the prevalence of chronic pain remains constant.

With new interest in non-pharmacological treatment for chronic pain, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are drawing increasing attention. A 2018 review in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry studied research on the effectiveness of MBIs for chronic pain conditions, looking in particular at back pain, migraines, and musculoskeletal pain.

Mindfulness is defined as awareness that stems from intentional nonjudgmental attention to the present moment, allowing the practitioner to focus on present thoughts and emotions. Improved decision-making skills, emotional resilience, and overall well-being can result from practicing mindfulness. It is believed that removing judgment enables a disconnect from the sensation of pain. MBIs have been shown to be effective not only reducing chronic pain but for alleviating the anxiety and depression associated with it.

In one study with over 340 participants reviewed by the Asian Journal of Psychiatry, mindfulness was found to be significantly more effective for reducing lower back pain than traditional treatment using medication. Two studies of MBI efficacy in treating chronic migraines showed decreased frequency of migraines. Another study showed mindfulness to be as effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines as long-term use of medications, with none of the negative side effects of pain medication.  Other studies on MBI use for chronic migraines corroborate these findings, suggesting mindfulness holds promise as a treatment option for migraines, according to the researchers.

While research on musculoskeletal pain is less available, studies show improvements in the subjects’ perceived control over pain and their ability to self-manage their pain.