What are the 5 A’s of Chronic Pain

The 5 A’s of chronic pain, when addressed through Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), are:

1. Analgesia: Achieving optimal pain relief by retraining the brain to reinterpret pain signals as non-threatening.

2. Activity: Enhancing or maintaining physical functioning by encouraging movement and activities that reinforce the brain’s perception of safety.

3. Adverse effects: Minimizing side effects by using non-pharmacological methods to manage pain, reducing reliance on medications.

4. Aberrant behavior: Monitoring and managing any inappropriate coping strategies or behaviors by fostering healthier psychological responses to pain.

5. Affect: Addressing and improving the emotional and psychological aspects of pain through cognitive-behavioral techniques that reduce fear and anxiety associated with pain.