Psychological Neuromodulatory Treatments for Young People with Chronic Pain

Abstract

The treatment of young people with chronic pain is a complex endeavor. Many of these youth do not obtain adequate relief from available interventions. Psychological neuromodulatory treatments have been shown to have potential benefit for adults with chronic pain. Here, we review and summarize the available information about the efficacy of three promising psychological neuromodulatory treatments—neurofeedback, meditation and hypnosis—when provided to young people with chronic pain. A total of 16 articles were identified and reviewed. The findings from these studies show that hypnotic treatments are effective in reducing pain intensity for a variety of pediatric chronic pain problems, although research suggests variability in outcomes as a function of the specific pain problem treated. There are too few studies evaluating the efficacy of neurofeedback or meditation training in young people with chronic pain to draw firm conclusions regarding their efficacy. However, preliminary data indicate that these treatments could potentially have positive effects on a variety of outcomes (e.g., pain intensity, frequency of pain episodes, physical and psychological function), at least in the short term. Clinical trials are needed to evaluate the effects of neurofeedback and meditation training, and research is needed to identify the moderators of treatment benefits as well as better understand the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of all three of these treatments. The findings from such research could enhance overall treatment efficacy by: (1) providing an empirical basis for better patient-treatment matching; and (2) identifying specific mechanisms that could be targeted with treatment.

Neurofeedback for Pain Management: A Systematic Review

“…In the context of pain treatment, NF aims to change brain activity that is thought to underlie or influence the experience of pain (Ibric and Dragomirescu, 2009). The findings from a number of research studies provide preliminary support for the efficacy of NF for reducing pain in clinical samples (Jensen et al, 2014;Miró et al, 2016). However, some investigators have questioned whether NF has any beneficial effect for pain or other problems over and above placebo or outcome expectancy effects (Thibault et al, 2017).…”

The Entwinement of Disability and Paediatric Chronic Pain and their Impact on the High School Education of Students with Disabilities

“…Nonpharmacologic approaches involve timely and regular sleep, regular exercise, healthy eating (e.g., eating regularly and moderately, drinking a lot of water), and avoiding foods that trigger pain (e.g., the overconsumption of caffeinated drinks). Successful chronic pain management strategies depend on the collective involvement of the students and their families, peers, educators, and other professionals to help them and their families to cope with the demands of chronic pain (Coakley & Wihak, 2017;Friedrichsdorf et al, 2016;Miró et al, 2016;Tauben, 2015). Collective involvement extends to personalized school re-entry plans that consider challenges a student with disabilities with chronic pain may experience (e.g., bullying, unwarranted sympathy and attention, fear) (Sexson & Madan-Swain, 1995) whether they have an individualized education plan (IEP), a 504 plan, or no official plan (Valle & Connor, 2019).…”

Psicología y dolor crónico infantil

“…Así, por ejemplo, la hipnosis ha demostrado ser efectiva para reducir la intensidad del dolor en diferentes problemas, si bien la mayoría de investigaciones se han realizado en relación con dolor de cabeza (47,48). También están ganando terreno las denominadas terapias cognitivo-conductuales de tercera generación, como por ejemplo la terapia de aceptación y compromiso, que si bien es una alternativa que todavía no cuenta con evidencia abundante, ni de estudios controlados y extensos (49), los trabajos publicados informan de mejoras en el funcionamiento, así como de reducciones significativas en la ansiedad, el catastrofismo y el absentismo escolar de los pacientes (21,50).…”