Psychologically coping: pain that won't go away.

Pain is a major distractor and strongly challenges, not only the patient, but also the treating practitioner to understand what psychological effects are generated. People cope differently with pain especially chronic pain. Enquiry into the patient's personality-based psychological needs at this time of stress and ill health will often give clues as to how they need to change their approach if better coping is to result. By using co-operation and open dialogue between professions, treating practitioners can encourage a strong measure of complementary care and encourage greater understanding of complex patient needs.