{"id":41964,"date":"2024-05-08T09:03:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-08T16:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/?p=41964"},"modified":"2024-05-20T12:27:05","modified_gmt":"2024-05-20T19:27:05","slug":"samaritan-researchers-study-mindfulness-and-chronic-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/news\/samaritan-researchers-study-mindfulness-and-chronic-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"Samaritan Researchers Study Mindfulness in Treating Chronic Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"<article class=\"article\">\n\t<header class=\"header\">\n\t\t<span class=\"type\"><\/span>\t\t<h1>Samaritan Researchers Study Mindfulness in Treating Chronic Pain<\/h1>\t\t<time>May 8, 2024<\/time>\n\t<\/header>\n\t<div id=\"block_514595344b12a269486a4af933a5069c\" class=\"shs-block block-news-article entry-content\">\n\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<p>There are many ways to address chronic pain that have nothing to do with medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of ongoing research of using mindfulness techniques for treating pain, a group of Samaritan doctors, resident physicians and statisticians collaborated on a study published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine in 2020. The study followed a group of 28 patients who were experiencing chronic pain recruited from Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis. The patients, ages 34 to 77, attended weekly mindfulness sessions with an instructor, then self-practiced what they learned with a goal of doing 30 minutes of mindfulness a day, six days a week for eight weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared with pre-survey measurements of pain, depression and functional capacity, the study found significant improvements after the course, said <a href=\"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/patients-visitors\/find-a-doctor\/shah-samantha-1659355899\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Samantha Shah, MD<\/a>, with <a href=\"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/find-a-location\/samaritan-internal-medicine-corvallis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Samaritan Internal Medicine \u2014 Corvallis<\/a>, one of the investigators in the study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMindfulness classes were found to benefit people with chronic pain and depression,\u201d Dr. Shah said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-new-treatment-for-a-common-condition\">New Treatment for a Common Condition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the United States, an estimated 100 million people are affected by chronic pain with correlated annual costs of approximately $635 billion. In response to a growing concern about chronic pain in the 1990s, medical providers responded by prescribing opioid pharmaceuticals, which led to the current opioid crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The search for alternative therapies has led to a multidisciplinary approach in managing chronic pain, including mindfulness-based stress reduction strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the program, people are trained to be aware of themselves in the present moment using meditation and yoga techniques. Other research has shown mindfulness to be effective in treating pain, depression, addiction and anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Shah is trained in functional medicine, which includes mindfulness. She was intrigued by the research opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt aligned with my way of thinking about the disease process and health,\u201d she said. \u201cI also think it\u2019s really valuable to look at multiple modalities for treatment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Shah was also interested in a study of a semi-rural setting because many communities in the Willamette Valley don\u2019t have all the options that are available to people in larger cities, such as specialized pain management providers, therapists and psychologists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSo, it was a special interest to build on the current research by including semi-rural areas where there may not be as many resources,\u201d Dr. Shah said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-small-study-with-larger-implications\">Small Study With Larger Implications <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Samaritan\u2019s research team in the mindfulness study included several clinicians, including Dr. Shah and Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center Hospitalist <a href=\"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/patients-visitors\/find-a-doctor\/chavira-aaron-1780061812\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Aaron Chavira, DO<\/a>, and two Samaritan employees on the statistics and analysis side. The study was small, a pilot to see if the findings supported doing a larger study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the parameters looked at mood, functional capacity and perception of pain, further research may broaden the scope of the findings. \u201cThe main conclusion we drew was for chronic pain. But there is a significant overlap between those that have chronic pain and mood disorders,\u201d Dr. Shah said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Shah said that many people with chronic pain rely on their health care provider to tell them what to do. She sees finding the right strategy for relief as a team effort and encourages people to explore different modalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, that involves looking beyond what you might be told in the context of an office visit. That\u2019s true with other illnesses or ailments, not just chronic pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI would urge people to find the ways that are best for them. Then come back to your health care provider and ask if it might work,\u201d said Dr. Shah. \u201cYou\u2019re going to be the best judge for what works. We\u2019re there to support, help and cheer for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<aside>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/woman-meditating-at-home-CO.jpg\" class=\"attachment-cta size-cta wp-post-image\" alt=\"Smiling woman meditating from the comforts of her home.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/woman-meditating-at-home-CO.jpg 360w, https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/woman-meditating-at-home-CO-300x250.jpg 300w, https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/woman-meditating-at-home-CO-120x100.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t<\/aside>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n\n<section id=\"block_cd3b48d383c8af7c8bb62989e5e67cb9\" class=\"shs-block block-section grid-container has-blue-light-background-color has-circle-image has-medium-circle-image\" >\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"image\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"425\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/woman-meditating-CIR-425x425.jpg\" class=\"attachment-square-md size-square-md\" alt=\"Illustration of a woman sitting crossed legged on the floor meditating.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/woman-meditating-CIR-425x425.jpg 425w, https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/woman-meditating-CIR-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/woman-meditating-CIR-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/woman-meditating-CIR-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/woman-meditating-CIR.jpg 684w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\" \/>\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-beginner-s-guide-to-meditation\">A Beginner\u2019s Guide to Meditation <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Meditation is an ancient practice used to calm the mind and improve well-being. This simple guide shows the process of incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-find-a-quiet-spot\">Find a Quiet Spot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It should be a place you can sit quietly without distraction that makes you feel calm. Make sure you have enough time so you don\u2019t feel rushed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-relax-nbsp\">Relax&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a few deep breaths and allow your mind to settle. Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings and sensations. Don\u2019t try to change anything. Simply observe them with curiosity and acceptance.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section id=\"block_1f17967872e12533f6436d1c0986f813\" class=\"shs-block block-section grid-container has-blue-light-background-color\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-close-your-eyes-nbsp\">Close Your Eyes&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This will help you keep your focus and your mind from wandering. Begin looking within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-focus-on-your-breathing\">Focus on Your Breathing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Feel the sensation of your breathing in and out of your nose. Use it as your anchor to stay present in the moment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-keep-your-back-straight\">Keep Your Back Straight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can meditate sitting in a chair with your feet resting on the floor. Or you can sit cross-legged or kneel. A seated position is more comfortable and will be easier to maintain. If you are seated cross-legged, try to keep your knees below your hips. If you\u2019re in a chair, keep your feet flat on the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-breathe-from-the-belly\">Breathe From the Belly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Breathe naturally and go slowly. Simply let the air flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-label-your-breath-nbsp\">Label Your Breath&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you inhale, think \u201cinnnnn\u201d and when you exhale, think \u201couuuut.\u201d It can help to keep a rhythm in your breathing. Some people use aides, such as mala beads, moving to the next bead after exhaling.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Finding alternatives for treating chronic pain lead a team of Samaritan providers to take a closer look at mindfulness techniques. Learn about their findings and get a beginner\u2019s guide to meditation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":42054,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","_shs_workflow_notes":"","_shs_exclude_from_navigation":false,"_shs_promote_article_on_blogs":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"news-topics":[293],"news-types":[270,272],"services":[245,244],"specialty":[18,99],"class_list":["post-41964","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","news-topics-wellness","news-types-feature-article","news-types-news","services-internal-medicine","services-integrative-medicine","specialty-internal-medicine","specialty-integrative-medicine"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41964","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41964"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41964\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42054"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41964"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41964"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41964"},{"taxonomy":"news-topics","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-topics?post=41964"},{"taxonomy":"news-types","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-types?post=41964"},{"taxonomy":"services","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/services?post=41964"},{"taxonomy":"specialty","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/specialty?post=41964"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}