Table 2 Options for non-medical management of persistent orofacial pain (alongside medical management or when medical causes have been excluded)
From: Paradigms matter: why persistent pain is different and how dentists can help
Modality | Purpose and rationale | Outcome and timeline |
|---|---|---|
Online resources to support self-management, such as | Assist people to develop skills to self-manage their pain by understanding pain, reducing exacerbations and prioritising valued activities | Pain may reduce. A good outcome would be the ability to “live well with pain” and continue to engage in valued activities |
Talking therapies. Access by searching online for local talking therapies service which will accept self-referral from patients | Psychological therapy for mental health problems that may co-occur with pain, including anxiety and depression | Therapy may take approximately three months. A good outcome would be the resolution or significant reduction of the mental health problem. This may also have a beneficial effect on the co-morbid pain. There can be long waiting times for treatment |
Specialist psychology for pain management. This will usually be accessed through your local pain clinic. You may be able to make a referral or GP referral may be required. In some areas, community provision of pain psychology may offer direct access | Psychological therapy focused on managing pain. This may include education about how pain works and an assessment of how factors, such as emotions, thoughts and the impact of previous experiences may be specifically influencing pain. Based on the individual assessment, a collaborative therapeutic plan may focus on reducing pain exacerbations or increasing the ability to live well with pain | Therapy may take approximately three months. A good outcome may be the ability to live well with pain. A degree of pain reduction may also occur but is often not the primary aim of the therapy. There can be long waiting times for treatment |
Pain management programme. Access will vary depending on location | Multidisciplinary group which provides education about pain and introduces methods of self-management | Groups usually run weekly for 6-8 weeks. Ability to live well with pain and engage in valued activities would be considered a good outcome |
