PAIN PATIENT SUPPORT GROUP

  BEHAVIORAL COUNSELING:

NON-OPIOID PAIN MANAGEMENT

Marilyn T. Oakes, Group Leader

“Pain is part of life;

suffering is optional.”

GROUP TOPICS

(We also take requests.) 

#1:         INTRODUCTION: Non-opioid Pain Management, part 1: What we do here and why we do it that way.

#2:         INTRO, part 2. 

#3          Acute Pain vs. Chronic Pain: A Different Approach.

#4          Achieving Goals Despite the Pain. 

#5          Understanding Chronic Pain: The Gate Theory.

#6:         Pains, Brains and Personal Gains: What you can control, what you can’t. 

#7:         Learning to Cooperate with Your Biology: Relaxation Techniques.

#8          Living Well Despite Pain: Lifestyles To Improve Pain Management 

#9          Maintaining Serenity Despite Pain.

#10        Serenity Despite Pain, Part 2. 

#11        What You Lost, What You Have Left: Pain Perception

#12        Social and Communication Aspects of Chronic Pain. 

#13        Problem-solving post-pain.

#14        Maintaining your treatment gains.

FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:          Why does a chronic pain patient need this group?

A:          Acute pain and chronic pain aren’t the same; acute pain strategies don’t help, and may even worsen, chronic pain. Pain patients often feel that life is out of control, but may work against themselves without realizing they are doing so. We examine a variety of cognitive-behavioral strategies that contribute to regaining control. Most topics are evidence-based medicine and based on latest research in the field. All topics are designed to support and improve medications and medical procedures. 

Q.          How do we know this really works, especially for skeptical patients?

A.          We collected data on group graduates and discovered that patients motivated to seek change showed significant mood improvement and functional gains. To our surprise, even skeptical patients also improved in some categories, though not as dramatically as those who are motivated to seek change. We believe that giving patients tools for better pain management is the right thing to do, regardless of skepticism. 

Q:          What are the goals of the group?

A:          Improved self-care, help patients regain control via learning how to generate their own solutions, and offer group support for improved function, return to work if appropriate, and increased activity if work is not an issue. 

Q:          Well, all the pain will go away eventually, won’t it?

A:          Not usually. By the time a pain problem has become chronic, fMRI shows physiological changes in the brain, and animal studies show physiological changes in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Although rarely, chronic pain patients experience pain elimination, the majority experience some combination of pain reduction and change of lifestyle. Our group goals are to encourage improved functional activity and support the lifestyle changes necessary to live successfully with chronic pain. Small things sometimes make a big difference. 

Q:          How are behavioral counseling groups different from traditional counseling?

A:          Behavioral counseling seeks to improve the here-and-now. We look for ways to improve today. Pain is an isolating experience. Your pain is unique to you, but it is not unique to the world. Pain patients who have experienced success share their experience, strength and hope with people who are still struggling, with the guidance of professional counseling. 

Q:          The patient has been seeing a pain doctor for weeks/months. Why does he need this group now?

A:          Pain affects one’s whole life and one’s whole life affects chronic pain. Poorly managed psychosocial factors can defeat the best pain management techniques. Non-opioid pain management helps medications and procedures work more effectively. 

Q:          How much time is required?

A:          14 hours, one hour weekly for 14 weeks. This sounds like a lot but only scratches the surface of pain management. The groups are offered in a 14-week cycle, and people may start at any time. Once participants start, they attend 14 weeks. 

Q:          What is the cost?

A:          Each session is billed as one hour of group therapy, CPT 90853. 

Q.          How often does the group meet?

A.          We offer a weekly evening group from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. We plan a day group and a fast-track group (same total hours, fewer weeks) for workers’ compensation patients. If groups just don’t work for you, then you may schedule individual times. Please call 404.627.2004 for more information. 

Q:          May interested persons attend even if they are not pain patients?

A:          We encourage family and friends to participate and those who are pain patients themselves should register. If the family member is not a pain patient, then they may attend free, if space is available. 

Q.          How about people interested in pain management?

A.          People interested in pain management (physicians, case managers, claims adjusters, family members, etc.) may attend any group free. Please understand that chronic pain patients always have priority for reserved seating. 

Q.          May patients pick and choose among topics?

A .         No. Even though a few very sophisticated patients may hear something they’ve already heard, new research is released so often that we guarantee that every patient will learn at least one new thing each week.  

Q.          I take narcotics (opioids). Does this mean I have to quit my meds?

A.          No. You’ll find that cognitive-behavioral strategies will help your meds work better. 

Q.          I’m recovering from alcohol or substance abuse. May I attend?

A.          Yes. 12-Step recovery works well with cognitive-behavioral pain management. These groups fit an abstinence model.

Q.          If I attend, do I have to talk in the group?

A.          No. Listening is just fine. 

Q.          Does this require physical exercise?

A.          No. Only a nimble mind.  

Q:          Who may refer?

A.          Physicians, case managers, claims adjusters, and self-referrals are all accepted. 

Q.          Will insurance cover non-opioid pain management?

A.          Yes, if you have behavioral or mental health services in your contract, CPT code 90853, group therapy, is covered. Please call for pre-certification and fee schedule.  

Q.          If insurance won’t pay, do you have special rates for self-pay?

A.          Yes. Please call for more information.