Somatoform pain disorder

Alternative names:

chronic pain disorder; pain disorder

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to ease the pain and help the person learn how to live with it. Invasive evaluations and surgical interventions should be avoided if possible.

Supportive measures for pain relief, such as hot and cold packs, physical therapy, distraction techniques, massage, relaxation techniques, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation should be used in addition to analgesics.

Psychiatric referrals may be helpful, though many people with this disorder resist psychiatric interventions.

Comprehensive treatment at pain centers may be of benefit for people with this disorder.

Expectations (prognosis):

People with a somatoform pain disorder rarely acknowledge that their illness has a psychological component and will usually reject psychiatric treatment.

Complications:

Sedative or analgesic dependence (drug abuse and dependence) can develop.

Calling your health care provider:

Ask your health care provider about a referral to a chronic pain center.