Chronic pain is a complex and persistent condition that affects millions worldwide, significantly impacting their quality of life and daily functioning. While traditional treatments often focus on symptom management through medication and physical therapy, psychological interventions are gaining recognition for their effectiveness in addressing the emotional and cognitive aspects of pain. One such approach, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), has emerged as a promising alternative, emphasizing psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and value-driven behavior.
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis examined the efficacy of ACT in treating chronic pain, analyzing data from 21 trials involving nearly 2,000 participants. The findings reveal that ACT significantly improves pain acceptance, quality of life, pain-related functioning, and emotional well-being, often outperforming conventional treatments. This article explores how ACT works, its key benefits, and why it is becoming an essential tool in chronic pain management.