Mindfulness Recommended by CDC as a Non-Pharmacological Treatment for Chronic Pain

The current epidemic with drug addiction and prescription drug abuse, has lead the CDC to issue new guidelines for pain control. The United States has 4.6% of the world's population, and we use 80% of the world's opioids.

The CDC stated that nonpharmacologic therapy and nonopioid therapy are preferred for chronic pain. 

Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience. Acute pain is a symptom but chronic pain is a disease, and sometimes opioids may make it worse. When we are hurt, the nociceptor fibers send pain signals to different areas of the brain (Thalamus, Amygdala, Prefrontal cortex...) which may magnify or decrease it. Pain begins in the brain.  

People who suffer from chronic pain have central sensitization, like in fibromyalgia, Chronic headaches, chronic neck or back pain, chronic pelvic pain etc... and the best way to treat them is with exercise, counseling, physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture, yoga, and Mindfulness.

All these modalities have been recommended by the CDC as non Pharmacological treatment for chronic pain.