The Mind-Pain Connection

Key References

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: This website is operated by a spine surgeon who performs spinal cord stimulation (SCS) procedures. Psychological approaches for chronic pain are presented here because they are recommended by all major clinical guidelines as a core part of treatment — regardless of whether other treatments such as SCS are also considered. Your treatment decisions should be made together with your healthcare provider.

1. Cherkin DC et al. "Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction vs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Usual Care on Back Pain and Functional Limitations in Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain." JAMA. 2016;315(12):1240-1249.
2. Ho EK et al. "Psychological interventions for chronic, non-specific low back pain: systematic review with network meta-analysis." BMJ. 2022;376:e067718.
3. Bagg MK et al. "Effect of Graded Sensorimotor Retraining on Pain Intensity in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain." JAMA. 2022;328(5):430-439.
4. Nijs J et al. "Sleep disturbances and severe stress as glial activators." Pain Physician. 2018.

Next Steps

• Treatment Overview — A Step-by-Step Approach
• Exercise Therapy — Why Movement Helps
• Living Well with Back Pain — Practical Everyday Strategies