Abstract

Objectives: There has been increased recognition of multidisciplinary approach for managing chronic pain. There is a high incidence of co-morbid depression and anxiety as well as functional disability impacting activities of daily living with chronic pain diagnoses. In the current study, we assessed the effectiveness of an affordable Living Life Well Pain Rehabilitation Program (LLWPRP), developed in a local outpatient chronic pain clinic.

Methods: Retrospective data analysis using data collected from May 2012 - May 2015 with total of 86 patients was performed. The LLWPRP is a 12-week program with biweekly meetings. It involves a combination of education about pain, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness training, mild exercise, peer support and family involvement. Participants completed a pre and post questionnaire with standardized measures of depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), risk of opioid misuse (SOAPP), pain acceptance (CPAQ), treatment outcome (S-TOPS) and disability (Oswestry), as well as functional testing.

Results: Participants showed a statistically significant improvement in all physical functionality tests used; significant reduction in PHQ-9, GAD-7, SOAPP); and significant improvements in willingness to engage in activities and pain acceptance-understanding. These improvements were independent from gender, age and types of pain.

Conclusion: Despite limitations, our study demonstrated the effectiveness of the LLWPRP and further supports the notion of managing chronic pain using a multidisciplinary approach.

Keywords: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT); Pain rehabilitation; Retrospective study; Depression; Anxiety