Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Pain

Mindfulness-Based Interventions aim to improve chronic pain and associated psychological and physical functioning through structured programs teaching mindfulness: the practice of paying attention, non-judgmentally, in the present moment, with openness and curiosity.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions – Evidence Rating: Low Quality

Evidence describing mindfulness-based interventions for pain comes from systematic reviews citing low quality evidence. These reviews draw from randomized control trials that sampled populations including back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, arthritic conditions, and cancer pain. The quality of the included studies was limited by heterogeneity of the interventions (including dosage and delivery format), small sample sizes, lack of blinding, and lack of long-term outcomes. Real-world studies of MBIs have mostly investigated patient-level factors that affect its use, and additional research is needed to better understand for whom MBIs are most efficacious, as well as provider- and system-level barriers to its use.

Evidence-based Scale

Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) aim to improve the psychological and physical suffering associated with chronic pain through the practice of mindfulness, defined as the practice of paying attention, non-judgmentally, in the present moment, with openness and curiosity. MBI  promotes psychological flexibility, acceptance of chronic pain, and aims to reduce emotional suffering associated with chronic pain. Interventions under the umbrella of MBIs can include Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE), which targets chronic pain and substance use. Low-to-moderate quality evidence suggests mindfulness and meditation-based interventions are associated with small improvements in pain, mood, and quality of life compared to controls and treatment as usual.

 

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): a program consisting of an average of eight weekly sessions and (an often optional) day-long  retreat in the later weeks of the program. The program teaches skills including meditation, yoga, attention, and mindfulness practices.

 

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): a program consisting of an average of eight weekly sessions with the goal of changing an individual’s attitude about their pain. MBCT combines mindfulness and meditation skills with techniques seen in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, including changing unhelpful thinking patterns.

 

Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE): an eight-week program that aims to improve quality of life for individuals with chronic pain and opioid misuse. The program teaches skills like mindfulness, changing unhelpful thinking patterns, and increasing positive emotions.