Attentional techniques for pain management

Attentional techniques enable patients to alter their attention in relation to pain. Patients can be distracted from pain by imagining scenes or sensations, or using external stimuli (eg music, scenes, smells). Other attentional techniques involve modifying or re-interpreting the pain experience into something less threatening. A common feature of many of these techniques is attempting to alter the patient’s emotional state, from stress or fear, to comfort or peace. For example, mindfulness meditation is aimed at accepting, rather than controlling pain.

Attentional techniques are often combined with relaxation techniques. In adults with cancer pain, there is evidence that attentional techniques combined with relaxation and mental imagery can achieve changes in affective states, various measures of perceived control and functional status.

There is some evidence that focusing on the pain as part of a meditation technique, rather than shifting attention away, can alter pain perception, decrease the threat value of pain, and reduce the pain experience. However, focusing on pain should only be applied under the guidance of a healthcare provider, because the pain experience may be worsened if used incorrectly.