CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — People often think of pain as a purely physical sensation, but it’s far more complex. Understanding the thoughts, emotions and behaviors that accompany chronic pain helps patients cope more effectively, and in some cases, may actually reduce the intensity of their discomfort.

To successfully treat chronic pain, healthcare providers must address both its physical and psychological aspects. Marilla Garcia, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in pain management, joined Desert Pain Specialists in 2020 to help patients navigate the emotional challenges that accompany pain disorders.

“When someone comes to a pain clinic, they’re not usually thinking about seeing a mental health counselor,” she said. “But being referred to a pain therapist doesn’t mean your pain isn’t real. The mind and body are connected, and the mind is very powerful.”

Mental health professionals have a long history of providing clinical pain management. Among all the medical providers involved in the treatment of chronic pain, counselors and psychologists are the experts in teaching patients how to self-manage their condition.

The physical and emotional strain of chronic pain can become overwhelming, Garcia said. Pain disorders are closely linked to depression, anxiety, insomnia and relationship issues.

“It’s a cycle,” she added. “Their pain affects their mental health, and their mental health affects their pain.”

At Desert Pain, patients are seen, heard, understood and supported throughout their pain management journey. Treatment plans are designed for each individual and can include teaching relaxation techniques, changing existing beliefs about pain, building coping skills and addressing feelings of anxiety and depression.

As a pain therapist, Garcia encourages patients to develop new ways to think about problems by challenging unhelpful thoughts about pain. She delves into the history of their pain, which often goes far beyond what’s written on their medical chart.

“I want to know their family history, their trauma history, more about their background,” she said. “Research shows that our bodies hang onto emotions.”

Patients frequently struggle to accept the loss of mobility that results from chronic pain, and that’s where activity planning plays a key role. Garcia helps patients find balance in their daily routine so they can still enjoy many of the same pursuits despite new physical limitations. Above all, she encourages them to stay active.

“If you stop moving, that’s when the pain actually gets worse,” she said. “Our bodies need to move.”

Working with a pain therapist also helps patients accept realistic expectations. For people living with chronic pain, the goal of treatment is rarely to become 100% pain-free. Rather, Desert Pain strives to improve their quality of life by decreasing the intensity of their pain to a manageable level.

Patients must be active participants in their care in order to successfully manage chronic pain. Garcia works closely with her patients, as well as the clinic’s physicians, to promote mind-body wellness and overall healing.

“I’ll give them ideas of things to talk about and work through, but I also want them to have some control over their treatment plan,” she said. “It’s a team effort.”

Desert Pain is a team of highly skilled specialists seeking to improve patient quality of life through innovative pain management solutions. The clinic stands at the forefront of treating acute and chronic pain in Southern Utah by offering patients shorter wait times and more one-on-one attention from compassionate physicians and advanced practitioners trained in the latest procedures. Call 435-216-7000 or visit DesertPainSpecialists.com to schedule an appointment today.

Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.

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Resources

• Desert Pain Specialists | Telephone: 435-216-7000 | Email: [email protected] | Website.
• Locations:
  • St. George: 617 E. Riverside Drive, Suite 301.
  • Hurricane: 48 S. 2500 West, Suite 110.
  • Cedar City: 1760 N. Main St.
  • Beaver: 68 N. Main St.
  • Panguitch: 200 N. 400 East.
  • Kanab: 348 N. 300 West.
  • Delta: 126 White Sage Ave.
  • Fillmore: 65 N. Main St.
  • Mesquite, Nevada: 340 Falcon Ridge Parkway, Suite 600.
  • Overton, Nevada: 475 N. Moapa Valley Blvd.

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