Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

MBSR may improve attention control, reduce mind-wandering and emotional dysregulation, relieve stress, anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophisation. Prior evidence suggests MBSR may provide longer-term clinical benefit as an adjunct treatment for CNLBP. The MBSR protocol requires 30 minutes of formal mindfulness practice per day for 5 days per week, plus 15 minutes of informal practice per day. MBSR is expected to act mainly on the psychological and behavioural dimensions of chronic pain rather than the physical dimension. MBSR is centred on mindfulness breathing, body scanning, mindfulness stretching, mindfulness walking, group reflection, and sustained home practice. MBSR may occasionally cause temporary emotional discomfort during practice.