Pain Neuroscience Education as the Foundation of Interdisciplinary Pain Treatment

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2020 Nov;31(4):541-551. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2020.07.004. Epub 2020 Sep 8.

Abstract

Pain neuroscience education (PNE) can be applied as the foundational core of an interdisciplinary biopsychosocial approach to persistent pain. This article outlines a noninvasive, nonpharmaceutical, and collaborative approach to providing comprehensive pain care, applying evidence-based biopsychosocial treatment strategies within the framework of PNE. Through consistent messaging across all interdisciplinary team members, persistent pain patients can sustain a deeper level of understanding and empowerment, with goals of sustainable improvement and self-management. The application of adult learning theory by patient educators also is discussed.

Keywords: Adult learning theory; Biopsychosocial factors; Pain neuroscience education; Persistent pain.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Pain / physiopathology
  • Chronic Pain / psychology
  • Chronic Pain / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Neurosciences / education*
  • Pain Management / methods*
  • Physical Examination