Chronic pain is a complex and often debilitating condition. It remains one of the most common quality of life limitations with one out of five adults reporting they suffer from it. Traditionally, chronic pain has been treated with a combination of medication and physical therapy. However, research highlights the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in managing and reducing chronic pain when medications and physical therapy don’t feel like enough or potentially reducing reliance on medications is preferred. Check out research on the effectiveness of EMDR in reducing chronic pain here, here, or here to learn more. While originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR is now being recognized for its potential to address the psychological aspects of chronic pain, offering a holistic approach to treatment.
Understanding EMDR
EMDR therapy involves a structured eight-phase approach that includes recalling distressing memories or future fears while the therapist directs the client’s eye movements. This process helps the brain reprocess stressful memories, reducing the emotional charge and helping the person become more anchored and grounded in their life.
A randomized controlled trial conducted by de Roos and additional researchers (2010) examined the effects of EMDR on chronic pain sufferers. The study found that participants who received EMDR therapy experienced significant reduction in physical pain intensity, anxiety, and depression compared to the control group. The authors concluded that EMDR remains an effective intervention for chronic pain, particularly for folks who have not responded to traditional pain management approaches.
The Chronic Pain and Trauma Connection
Chronic pain often has a psychological component, especially in cases where pain persists despite the absence of a clear physical cause. Studies have shown that individuals with chronic pain frequently have a history of trauma, and their pain may be worsened in its severity by lingering emotional pain. EMDR therapy targets these underlying traumas, as well as the physical manifestation of pain.
A study published in the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research explored the use of EMDR in treating chronic pain in patients with a history of trauma. The researchers found that EMDR was effective in reducing pain intensity and improving overall daily life and functioning. The study concluded that EMDR offers significant benefits for chronic pain sufferers, particularly those with a trauma history.
For folks suffering from chronic pain, EMDR may offer a means of getting your life back. EMDR is a non-invasive therapy that can be performed from the comfort of your own home. This makes it an appealing option for patients seeking alternatives to medication or invasive procedures. In addition, EMDR can be integrated with other pain management strategies, such as physical therapy and medications, to create a comprehensive and individualized approach.
Interested in learning more regarding the ways that EMDR may be able to help you get your life back? Schedule a free consultation today.
References:
Goldberg DS, McGee SJ. (2011). Pain as a Global Public Health Priority. *BMC Public Health*
Jeanne Cross, LCSW, LAC
Jeanne Cross has more than ten years of experience working with adults. She is formally trained in EMDR and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) and specializes in helping people find relief from depression, anxiety, grief and loss, addiction, and trauma. She has both a License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW) and License in Addiction Counseling (LAC). She graduated with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Master’s in Divinity from Duke University with esteemed honors including the Robert E Bryan Public Service Award and Bosch Award from UNC at Chapel Hill and the McMurray Richey Outstanding Student Award, Marsha Sterns Award, and Addie Davis Leadership Nominee from Duke University. Jeanne’s career has taken her everywhere from training a team of social workers in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) who assisted children removed from human trafficking in the Philippines to helping people find relief from depression, addiction, grief and loss, and anxiety in outpatient, residential, and hospital settings. She looks forward to working with you!