Ten years ago, Jabez Allies was struck by chronic lower back pain that sent her spiraling into despair. Initially prescribed a mix of physio, hot-water bottles, and painkillers, she found little relief as her pain intensified over the years, leading to feelings of frustration and hopelessness.

As her emotional state deteriorated, so did her ability to keep up with the recommended exercises, creating a vicious cycle where her depression compounded her pain. Despite various healthcare professionals attempting to address her physical discomfort, the emotional toll of chronic pain remained largely overlooked.

However, groundbreaking research from the University of New South Wales and Neuroscience Research Australia has unveiled a transformative approach: emotional management as a crucial aspect of treating chronic pain. A new online course, tailored specifically for chronic pain sufferers, leverages dialectical behavior therapy to help individuals adapt and regain control over their emotions and pain.

Launched in March 2023, this innovative trial involved 89 participants, half undergoing an intensive nine-week online therapy program complemented by a supportive app and handbook. The results, published in the *JAMA Network Open*, revealed a startling 83% of participants were female—consistent with the demographics of chronic pain patients. Those who engaged in the online therapy reported significant emotional regulation and an impressive 10-point drop in pain intensity on a 100-point scale.

Professor Sylvia Gustin, a co-lead author on the study, challenges the stigma faced by chronic pain sufferers, reinforcing that the pain is not just psychological but has real neurological underpinnings. She highlights the detrimental impact of inadequate levels of GABA, a brain chemical essential for emotional control, which often diminishes in those with chronic pain.

Dr. Nell Norman-Nott, the other co-lead author, emphasizes that the course focuses on mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance skills. By retraining the brain to lower overactivity, they aim to alleviate both emotional and physical suffering.

As someone who completed the course over a year ago, Allies shares her victory against pain. "I'm no longer a victim of my pain!" she exclaimed. "I'm back to enjoying life—playing pickleball, hitting the gym, and strengthening my body. It's not just that the pain is less; I'm doing more!"

Anticipating further research, the team plans a larger trial in 2026 with over 300 participants. Professor Lorimer Moseley, a noted pain scientist, supports the findings, stressing the need for a holistic approach to chronic pain treatment that includes psychological support.

This study not only highlights the profound interconnection between emotions and pain but also signifies a promising shift in how those suffering from chronic pain can reclaim their lives. The message is clear: managing emotions is as vital as managing physical symptoms in the journey towards healing.