A Dual-Action Non-Invasive Treatment Model for Nociplastic Pain and Psychosocial Disorders

Abstract

The complexity of chronic pain with interfering comorbidities negatively affects pain management and necessitates a multimodal biopsychosocial treatment approach, such as ReAttach.  This ReAttach protocol for chronic pain, which involves a series of structured sessions focusing on affective and cognitive processes, describes the theoretical background from which ReAttach Affect Coaches might work when dealing with nociceptive pain, nociplastic pain, neuropathic pain, or a combination of these modalities. In acute pain, Wiring Affect with ReAttach (W.A.R.A.) and the Forgive and Forget Hood (FFH) are discussed for their promise in preventing acute pain from becoming chronic by promoting neuroplasticity and reducing hypersensitivity. It is remarkable how fast ReAttach can reduce altered pain transition, pain regulation, and pain perception in nociplastic and neuropathic pain, as described in the examples. Patient narratives and a case study outline how to build tailored ReAttach sessions for different chronic pain manifestations. The importance of using the M.I.S.T. and the New Mind Creation to target complexity is specifically emphasized. While ReAttach techniques are promising, further research is needed to fully explore ReAttach's potential in chronic pain patients and facilitate its broader implementation in healthcare.