Cesar E. Gonzalez, PhD, is a WashU Medicine pain psychologist. He helps patients manage their pain in ways outside of medications. He reveals the top five most frequently asked questions he receives from patients.
1. What is pain psychology?
Pain psychology focuses on the complicated relationship between physical pain and psychological factors, such as emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Long-lasting pain often disrupts daily life, including work, relationships and hobbies. Patients may feel that their lives are defined by their pain rather than their passions or goals. Pain psychologists help patients learn how to handle pain and the stress that comes with it and improve their quality of life.
2. How can therapy reduce my pain?
Therapy can help reduce pain by teaching patients how to change negative thought patterns, control emotions, increase motivation and reduce stress, all of which can influence how they feel pain. Skills like behavioral therapy, mindfulness and relaxation exercises help calm the nervous system, lower pain sensitivity and improve daily functioning.
3. Why am I having so much pain, even though my doctors can’t seem to locate the problem?
Pain can involve biological, psychological and social factors. Sometimes, even when no clear physical cause is found, the brain and nervous system may continue to signal pain due to heightened sensitivity, past trauma or emotional distress. This can keep the brain and body in a loop of pain even after the original injury has healed. Pain psychologists can help bridge the gap between patients and medical providers by explaining how these factors influence how someone feels pain to help find a more effective treatment plan.
4. Why won’t doctors prescribe me pain medication while I’m struggling?
In recent years, pain physicians are moving toward managing pain in ways that avoid opioid medications. Opioids have risks, such as addiction, tolerance and even an increased sensitivity to pain. Pain psychologists work closely with patients to explain these risks and help them understand why safer treatments may be better. Psychologists help patients build tools to manage their pain without relying on potentially harmful medications.
5. Will this pain ever go away, or do I have to live with it?
While every patient’s journey is unique, many find that their pain becomes more manageable over time with the right support and tools. An important part of this process is moving toward acceptance – recognizing the pain without letting it define one’s life. Pain psychologists guide patients through this journey by helping them change their relationship with pain. This shift from fighting pain to living with it often reduces its emotional burden and gives a sense of control and empowerment, even if getting rid of the pain completely isn’t possible.
WashU Medicine specialists are here to help you manage your pain. For more information about pain management providers and appointments, click here.