Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Pain disorders are conditions where pain—like chronic headaches, jaw pain, or widespread muscle aches—is the main issue, but it can’t always be fully explained by a medical cause. The pain is very real and can stick around for weeks, months or even years, often flaring up with stress or low mood. It’s not just about the body—emotions, thoughts, and lifestyle can all play a part. Treatment for pain disorders usually involves a mix of supports: psychologists, doctors, physios and sometimes medication. The goal isn’t always to “fix” the pain, but to help people manage it better so they can get back to doing what matters.
If someone’s pain is interfering with daily life and medical treatments haven’t offered much relief, it might be worth looking into treatment for pain disorders, including support from a psychologist.
Ongoing pain that lasts for weeks or months, even when there’s no clear injury or medical cause
Pain that moves around or seems to come and go without warning
Feeling exhausted or low in mood because of the pain
Stress or anxiety making the pain feel worse
Avoiding activities (like work, socialising, or exercise) out of fear it’ll make the pain worse
Sleep troubles due to discomfort or worrying about the pain
Frustration or confusion after lots of normal test results but still no clear answers
1 in 5 Australians lives with chronic pain
Pain can persist without a clear medical cause
Chronic pain doubles the risk of depression and anxiety
Treatment for pain disorders works best with both medical and psychological support
Chronic pain isn’t just “in your head”—it’s a serious and complex health condition that affects around 1 in 5 adults, according to recent global data. The research also tells us that chronic pain is one of the leading causes of disability, and it comes with huge emotional, social, and financial costs. Despite being so common, many people still struggle to access the right care or even get a clear diagnosis, especially when tests and scans show no obvious cause.
Pain disorders—like migraines, nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and persistent musculoskeletal pain—can hang around for months or even years. While the pain itself is very real, it’s now widely understood that the way we think, feel, and respond to that pain can affect how intense and disabling it becomes over time.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for managing chronic pain, but the good news is that research supports a multidisciplinary approach—that is, combining a few different types of care to get the best results. Here’s what’s currently backed by evidence:
Pain medications like anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), certain antidepressants, and anticonvulsants can help, especially for nerve-related pain. Opioids may be used in specific cases, but only with caution and under close supervision. Medication is often most helpful when it’s part of a broader plan—not the only tool in the toolbox.
Evidence shows that psychological therapies like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are really effective in helping people manage the emotional and mental side of chronic pain. These approaches can improve quality of life, reduce distress, and help people feel more in control—even if the pain itself doesn’t go away completely. This is a big part of modern treatment for pain disorders.
For some people, procedures like nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, or spinal cord stimulation can reduce pain and improve function. These are typically used when more conservative treatments haven’t helped, and they’re often done in pain clinics or specialist settings.
Research into chronic pain is evolving fast. New treatments being explored include neuromodulation, gene therapy, monoclonal antibodies, and regenerative medicine. While many of these are still in clinical trial stages, they offer hope for more targeted and lasting relief in the future.
The key takeaway? Treatment for pain disorders works best when it’s tailored to the person, using a mix of physical, psychological, and sometimes interventional supports. Seeing a psychologist who understands the pain-mind connection is just as important as medication or physio. And while there might not be a “cure,” people can absolutely learn to manage pain and get back to living a fuller, more active life.
*Source: Clinical pain management: Current practice and recent innovations in research – ScienceDirect | Cell Reports Medicine
Pushing through pain can make things worse. Try balancing activity with rest and listen to your body’s signals.
Regular movement like walking, swimming or stretching can help reduce stiffness and boost mood—just start slow and steady.
Try mindfulness, breathing exercises or meditation to manage pain and reduce stress levels.
Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology
Our Psychologists are highly qualified, with Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We provide treatment for pain disorders using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and other evidence-based treatments like Mindfulness and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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