Mindfulness for pain management

Mindfulness encourages patients to focus on and engage with what is happening in the present moment, rather than focusing on internal and external distractions (eg negative thoughts, family members). It teaches patients to notice aversive experiences without judgment or attempts to control them. This enables patients to distinguish physical pain from their cognitive and emotional responses to it (eg fear, catastrophising), reducing the threat value of pain and associated distress. Mindfulness-based approaches are associated with reduced pain intensity and improved body image, function and mood.

Resources with examples of mindfulness exercises include: