Psychological treatment of chronic headache and facial pain

Chronic headache and facial pain cannot be categorized as purely organic or purely psychological; therefore, treatment should be both medical and psychotherapeutic. An interdisciplinary approach optimises treatment results and significantly reduces the intensity and frequency of the pain. This article illustrates a cognitive behavioural treatment strategy that has shown a clear reduction in patient impairment. With extensive education and training in pain management techniques, patients are enabled to exert influence over their pain, preventing and easing it and dealing with it strategically. The results are improved self-control, improved quality of life, and a possible reduction in the consumption of pain-killing drugs.