Using the mind to manage body pain

Psychological therapy can help alleviate chronic physical pain and improve quality of life

After Ms Carol Ng fractured her right foot, she developed such severe pain that she even had to leave her job. She later learnt that she was suffering from complex regional pain syndrome on her foot. To help manage the pain, her doctor had to treat h
After Ms Carol Ng fractured her right foot, she developed such severe pain that she even had to leave her job. She later learnt that she was suffering from complex regional pain syndrome on her foot. To help manage the pain, her doctor had to treat her physically and mentally. "He told me: 'Stop thinking that it's painful'," said Ms Ng. After the treatment, which included an injection, her pain gradually faded and Ms Ng could undergo surgery to fix her fracture. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN
Joyce Teo
Senior Health Correspondent
Updated
May 29, 2018, 05:00 AM
Published
May 29, 2018, 05:00 AM
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The pain started when Ms Carol Ng fell and fractured her right foot at the start of the year.

Her mobility and lifestyle were affected, and the 41-year-old recruiter also could not travel for work.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 29, 2018, with the headline Using the mind to manage body pain. Subscribe

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