EUROSPINE Patient Line

Member Login

Psychological interventions

Psychological intervention for people with health problems focus on changing beliefs and behaviours. The general idea is that even when pain cannot be cured, there is still much that can be done to cope better and manage the condition in a way that leads to a better quality of life.

Although such intervention are sometimes referred to as ‘talk therapies’ they often include quite a lot of ‘doing’, ranging from re-thinking about one’s pain, how it affects life and relationships, and all the way to trying out new behaviours and ways of interacting with others. The most common form of psychological intervention is based on a ‘Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy’ (CBT). Patients are often encouraged to describe their most feared automatic thoughts, and to become aware of thinking patterns and behaviours that are unhelpful. They are then guided through plans to change these thought patterns and behaviours, and supported through their attempts to change how they behave in real life.

Psychological interventions are often delivered in groups, so that patients can learn from each-other, and are often incorporated into larger multidisciplinary interventions.

Depression - What is it?

Depression is a low mood, including a tendency to cry, have dark thoughts, feelings of guilt and even of despair. People with depression often experience difficulty sleeping, and tend to restrict their activities. They find it hard to concentrate and make decisions, and sometimes report changes in appetitive and weight. When people have pain it is often the case that they get distressed and worried, and they may feel isolated, hopeless and helpless. While these feelings and thoughts are not necessarily an indication of a diagnosis of depression (a mental disorder) they have been shown to form obstacles to better coping and recovery. When patients with pain experience these types of emotions for a long time, or when they feel overwhelmed by their emotions, it is useful to seek clinical help. In the first instance most people see their general practitioner, who might prescribe anti-depressants or psychological therapy.

Fear and Avoidance - What are they?

Many people who experience pain worry that they might do something or move in a way that will make their pain worse, or even cause damage (kinesiophobic). Sometimes people guard their movements or even avoid activity and exercise, because of these fears. There is some evidence that suggests that for some disorders, such as LBP, this type of behaviour can actually be an obstacle to recovery, and the recommendation is that patients stay as active as they can. Sometimes these fears can be addressed simply by discussing them with clinicians, such as general practitioners, physiotherapists or nurses. However, some people find it very difficult to change their beliefs and behaviours and other interventions may be prescribed. These include Behavioural therapies such as CBT.
The Patient Line website offers information for patients with spinal conditions:
Sciatica, back pain, spinal stenosis, disc herniation, scoliosis and many other spine conditions explained in a clear reliable, and trustworthy way. Not for profit EUROSPINE experts are here to help patients and their families understand what may be worrying them.

EUROSPINE is a society of spine specialists of various disciplines with a large knowledge of spine pathologies. All well-known and accepted treatment modalities for spine pathologies are represented by the members of the society. However, the Society cannot accept any responsibility for the use of the information provided; the user and their health care professionals must retain responsibility for their health care management.

area navigation

Latest News

20 December 2022

Moving towards a patient-tailored consent process in spine surgery in the 21st century

On 19 October 2022, Patient Line committee members hosted a symposium on spine surgery consent in the 21st century for the...

12 July 2022

Insights from a webinar about Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS)

The session commenced with the definition of early onset scoliosis and why this type is such a challenge due to skeletal...

Facebook Twitter Linkedin Instagram Youtube channel
website by bestview gmbh
page last updated on 21.08.2019