CARE-LA
CHILD ANXIETY REDUCTION EXPERTS
CHRONIC PAIN
Chronic pain in children, adolescents, and adults is a complex condition in which pain persists for weeks, months, or longer and continues to affect daily functioning even after an injury or medical condition has healed—or sometimes without a clear ongoing medical cause. Chronic pain can include headaches, migraines, abdominal pain, musculoskeletal pain, amplified pain syndromes, nerve pain, or widespread body pain, and is often influenced by the interaction between the nervous system, stress, emotions, sleep, and physical health. In children and teens, chronic pain may interfere with school attendance, sports, social activities, and emotional well-being, while adults may experience challenges with work, relationships, and quality of life. Chronic pain is real and not “just psychological,” but research shows that the brain and nervous system play a significant role in how pain is processed and maintained over time. Evidence-based psychological treatment—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), pain coping skills training, mindfulness-based interventions, biofeedback, and nervous system regulation strategies—can help reduce pain-related distress, improve functioning, and increase resilience. At CARE-LA, treatment is tailored to each individual’s medical history, developmental stage, emotional needs, and lifestyle, often in collaboration with medical providers and other specialists to support a comprehensive, biopsychosocial approach to healing.
FAQ: Chronic Pain Therapy and Support at CARE-LA
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than expected healing time, typically for several months or more, and continues to affect daily functioning and quality of life.
Can children and teenagers experience chronic pain?
Yes. Children and adolescents can experience chronic headaches, abdominal pain, amplified pain syndromes, musculoskeletal pain, and other persistent pain conditions.
Is chronic pain “all in the head”?
No. Chronic pain is real and involves complex interactions between the nervous system, brain, body, stress, emotions, and physical health.
How does therapy help with chronic pain?
Therapy helps individuals understand the pain-stress cycle, reduce fear and avoidance, improve coping strategies, regulate the nervous system, and increase daily functioning despite pain.
What type of therapy is most effective for chronic pain?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most evidence-based approaches for chronic pain and is often combined with mindfulness, relaxation training, biofeedback, and nervous system regulation techniques.
Can anxiety or stress make chronic pain worse?
Yes. Stress, anxiety, poor sleep, and emotional distress can increase nervous system sensitivity and intensify pain symptoms.
What is the biopsychosocial approach to chronic pain?
This approach recognizes that biological, psychological, and social factors all influence how pain is experienced and treated.
Does CARE-LA work with medical providers for chronic pain treatment?
Yes. CARE-LA often collaborates with pediatricians, pain specialists, neurologists, physical therapists, and other medical providers as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Can therapy reduce pain even if there is a medical condition present?
Yes. Psychological treatment can help improve pain management, emotional resilience, and functioning even when a medical condition contributes to the pain.
How long does treatment for chronic pain usually take?
Treatment length varies depending on the individual and the severity of symptoms, but many people begin noticing improvements in coping, functioning, and distress within several months of consistent therapy.
Do you offer chronic pain therapy for adults as well as children and teens?
Yes. CARE-LA provides support for children, adolescents, and adults experiencing chronic pain and pain-related emotional distress.
Do you offer virtual and in-person chronic pain therapy at CARE-LA?
Yes. CARE-LA offers both in-person therapy in West Los Angeles and virtual therapy options to support accessibility and continuity of care.
What should I look for in a chronic pain therapist in West LA?
Look for clinicians experienced in health psychology, CBT for pain management, nervous system regulation, and collaborative care with medical professionals.