Professor Lorimer Moseley, a prominent figure in the field of Clinical Neurosciences, recently engaged in an enlightening conversation with Peggy Giakoumelos on the Weekend One on One program. The panel highlighted the indispensable role of psychology in addressing chronic pain, a condition that impacts nearly 400 million people globally. In addition to being the Chair of PainAdelaide, Professor Moseley is a professor at the University of South Australia. He has been a deep well of information and guidance on the subject.
During the conversation, Professor Moseley expanded on this idea to explain just how deeply psychological processes influence both the experience and treatment of chronic pain. He reiterated that pain is not only a sensory experience. It’s not just a rational process—far from it in fact. It’s an emotional one. This is an important perspective for healthcare professionals to keep in mind, especially when treating patients who are enduring conditions of chronic pain.
She drilled down into several non-medical interventions that should be used alongside traditional medical approaches. He touted the benefits of CBT, or cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, and mindfulness practices. He featured innovative educational programs that empower patients with a deeper understanding of their pain. By addressing the psychological aspects of pain, these interventions can lead to improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for patients.
The talk further explored the stigma associated with chronic pain and its psychological aspects. Chronic pain often leads to feelings of isolation and misunderstanding from peers, which Professor Moseley noted as common issues for those in chronic pain. He passionately fought for a more compassionate treatment approach. This holistic approach acknowledges the physical and psychological toll patients… Read more » This story was written by
Furthermore, Professor Moseley spoke to the need for increased collaboration between multiple healthcare disciplines in order to treat chronic pain appropriately. He advocated for an interdisciplinary approach. This holistic approach unites psychologists, physiotherapists, and medical doctors to create personalized multimodal treatment plans for every individual patient.
Professor Moseley discussed the current research thus far into the realm of pain management. He highlighted the importance of understanding how the brain regulates pain signals in the development of transformative treatments and therapies. As research continues, he remains optimistic about the future of chronic pain management. He is a strong advocate for the synergistic power of integrating psychological principles with medical treatments.
