Use mindfulness to cope with chronic pain

Mindfulness has become a popular concept. Frequently thought of as a way to manage stress and improve focus, mindfulness practice can provide many benefits. But what is mindfulness?

According to John Kabat-Zinn, a leader in mindfulness practice, “Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, nonjudgmentally.” Mindfulness principles and practices have been proven to help people manage symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. There also has been extensive research on the effectiveness of mindfulness as a tool for chronic pain management.

The American Academy of Pain Medicine reports that nearly 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, which is pain that persists. It can occur after an injury or without apparent damage or previous injury to the body. The most common type of chronic pain is low back pain, followed by migraine and headache pain, and neck and facial pain. Living with chronic pain can have a significant impact on a person’s relationships and quality of life, as well as physical and mental health. It also can affect mobility, independence and ability to work. It is common for people with chronic pain also to have symptoms of depression, anxiety and increased stress. People living with chronic pain often struggle with effectively managing pain while actively participating in life.

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