Year: 2015
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: Fordyce was one of the first to apply the principles of operant conditioning to the problems of chronic pain patients.His applied behavioural analysis was a revolutionary way of thinking about chronic pain.As discussed in the previous chapters, his work stemmed from the shortcomings of the attempts of traditional health care to resolve chronic pain problems by using a reductionist biomedical approach.A reductionist approach, in which the causes for pain are searched in parts of the body, is not necessarily invalid in all contexts, and in fact can be helpful and efficient for some problems [9].However, when this approach fails, as is often the case with chronic pain, it is time to change strategies.Moreover, evidence is growing that an unduly and strict adherence to a biomedical frame, may fuel frustration and distress in patients with chronic pain [12].According to Fordyce, a different approach is required, or, as he often stated: "If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging".His idea was that pain behaviour should become the target of analysis and treatment.He shifted the treatment goal from pain reduction towards a reduction of the impact of pain upon daily living.In so doing, he made us aware that pain is not the same as disability.In Chapter 3, Fordyce describes how patients can acquire pain behaviour, and how pain behaviour can
Authors: Geert Crombez, Ama Kissi
Language: English
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2215990860