Those of you who come to our group sessions know that Eric and I can talk – a lot. As if that wasn’t enough, we talk a lot with each other about the same things we discuss in the group not to mention the things that participants say and do during sessions. Sometimes our personal talks become topics for the group or for these posts.

A recurring theme for us is the struggle to stay objective when evaluating the effects of our pain program. Because we really want people to benefit from what we show them it’s a lot easier for us to tell ourselves what we’re doing is helping rather than doing nothing of value. Of course the same holds true all the things I’ve used in my regular practice.

This came up in conversation with Eric the other day. I was mentioning all the different pain treatments I’ve used over the years or referred patients for. The list includes all kinds of nerve blocks, cortisone injections, Botox, surgery, implanted electronic nerve stimulators, anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, psychotherapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage and chiropractic.

I know that I’m probably biased toward any treatment I administer, but the one that gives me the most positive feeling is the pain group. Maybe it’s because I see people actively learning skills instead of being passive recipients. Maybe it’s because of the smiles lighting faces that are usually lined with pain. Of course it is not a universally effective treatment – none exist – but it is my favorite among all those I use.

When I told Eric that I thought the pain group seemed to me the most successful of all the interventions I’ve been involved with over the years, he told me I should say that in an article for our website.

This is it.