Format: Audio MP3 file download

Presenter: Mark Weisberg, PhD, ABPP and Alfred Clavel, Jr., MD

A Proactive Response to the Opiate Prescription Crisis with Compassionate Patient Centered Care: Integrating Hypnotic Utilization, Neuroplasticity, and the Psychophysiologic Pattern

Since back pain is the most common of chronic pain, this workshop will focus on low back pain (LBP). The critical step in managing any chronic condition is asking the patient to be part of the solution. Engaging patients in daily self-care, gradual conditioning programs, releasing tension from stress or guarding from pain and the all-important step of activating self-healing resources is critical. Opiates?especially at high doses? disconnect the brain from the body in a dissociative process, making self-care and activating self-healing resources more challenging. The goal of good treatment is to reduce dissociation and increase somatic awareness. Repetition of awareness training changes the brain through neuroplasticity and can reverse the changes in the brain associated with chronic pain. Daily practice activates self-healing resources, regulates the autonomic nervous system and creates empowerment. It prevents deconditioning and the depression that follows inactivity and isolation.