103 - Advances in Behavioral Medicine: The Neurobiology of Pain Psychology, What Works, How It Helps, and How You Can Integrate It into Your Practice

An estimated 51.6 million U.S. adults (20.9%) experienced chronic pain, and 17.1 million (6.9%) experienced high-impact chronic pain. Chronic pain presents in nearly every clinic, yet the most effective treatment approaches are largely unknown, leaving providers and patients feeling stuck. This session will present the interdisciplinary model of chronic pain and highlight the role of pain psychology. It will explore the neurobiology of behavioral medicine and outline ways in which pain psychology interventions can impact pain and improve patient outcomes. Specifically, it will explore innovative ways Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is being delivered in the modern world and describe other treatments that reflect the latest understanding of pain including strategies in re-wiring the neuromuscular system to improve pain, function, and enhance quality of life for pain patients. After reviewing the latest evidence-based treatments such as Empowered Relief, Acceptance and Mindfulness-based therapies, Pain Reprocessing Therapy, and Virtual Reality for Pain, how (and where) to make a precise referral will be provided.