Chronic Pain

Are you always in pain for any reason? If so, help is available at Shah Psychiatry in Phoenix, Arizona. Neet Shah, MD, offers specialized CBT for pain which has been shown to be effective in helping individuals tolerate discomfort and live a meaningful life while living in any kind of pain. Call the office to learn more about your options, or schedule an appointment online today.

What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain is an uncomfortable feeling that is ongoing or long-lasting (lasting three or more months). Examples of chronic pain include headaches, migraines, body aches, joint discomfort, numbness, tingling, and other types of pain. See Dr. Shah if you suspect a mental health challenge is worsening your chronic pain or if you have difficulty dealing with a physical health condition. 

Which mental health conditions may contribute to chronic pain?

While illnesses, diseases, and injuries are common causes of chronic pain, co-occuring mental health issues may also contribute to, or exacerbate, your condition.

Common conditions that can cause chronic pain include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Fibromyalgia 
• Multiple sclerosis
• Migraines
• Back/neck pain
• Menstruation-related pain

Managing chronic pain on your own can be difficult, but seeking therapy with Dr. Shah can help you manage your chronic pain more effectively. 

Is chronic pain management right for me?

Dr. Shah reviews your medical history and symptoms before tailoring a treatment plan just for you. He completes a 60 to 90-minute initial psychiatric assessment by asking questions about your thoughts, mood, and behavior patterns. 

What should I expect during my treatment?

Shah Psychiatry offers an array of treatments for pain related to a chronic disease, illness, injury, or mental health challenge. Dr. Shah provides:

• Medication management
• Lifestyle-change counseling
• Mindfulness-based practices
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Exposure-based therapy
• Supportive psychotherapy
• Stress-reduction techniques
• Virtual reality-based treatment
• Pain rehabilitation programs 

The combination of making lifestyle changes, taking medications, and undergoing psychotherapy can reduce or help you better cope with ongoing pain. Get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, and minimize stress to alleviate chronic discomfort. Dr. Shah works on creating programs and rituals to slowly but surely improve coping and mental resilience to pain states. 

If you have a physical medical problem requiring treatment, Dr. Shah refers you to an appropriate specialist. Dr. Shah does not prescribe controlled substances for the treatment of pain conditions but can work with your primary care provider or pain specialist to reduce the burden of pain on your mind. 

He offers 15 to 60-minute follow-up visits to provide long-lasting chronic pain management and changes your treatment plan whenever needed.

To learn more about chronic pain management options at Shah Psychiatry, call the office or use the online booking feature today.