Terri A. Lechnyr,Ph.D.,LCSW
Practical Pain Management Articles by Terri A. Lechnyr,PhD,LCSW
A guide for chronic pain patients to help them avoid pitfalls and mistakes and become part of the team in helping to restore a better quality of life for themselves.
Recognizing and avoiding tendencies to rush,multi-task,or otherwise over-exert during relative lulls in pain helps reduce subsequent pain flare-ups and achieve a more comfortable and sustainable activity level.
Patients need to better understand their health care providers’concerns regarding alcohol,drugs and pain medications,as well as what is expected of them in their role as patients in order to maximize treatment outcomes.
A follow-up study of patients who have undergone implant of a pain management device.
Psychologists are trained in advanced skills that intrinsically lend themselves to the management of chronic pain and complex health care problems.
Psychological wounds of trauma are a diagnosis that is not typically understood or considered when a patient has experienced physical trauma. Article highlights traumatic responding patterns and considerations for treatment.
A comprehensive approach to pain management must address the psychological dimension with special emphasis on the patient’s own unique psychological response to chronic pain.
Understanding unconscious interpersonal defensive responses in a chronic pain practice to improve interactions.
Psychological research on intense provider-client interactions yields insight into the doctor-chronic pain patient relationship.
PRESENTATIONS:
May 2011: Presentation on Fibromyalgia and Self-Care- Tamarack Wellness Center- Fibromyalgia Awareness Day
Presentation:Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is an important time to gather around and support one another. This two day event was held at the well-known Tamarack Wellness Center that offers a warm water therapeutic pool- http://www.tamarackwellness.com/ The presentation discussed issues surrounding healthy communication,becoming and active participant in your own care,relaxation and stress management in the management of Fibromyalgia,and how to regain your energy balance by enjoying the small things in life.
August 2010: Dr. Terri Lechnyr,Ph.D., gave a presentation to the Practitioners and Staff at Pain Management Partners on “Suicide Sirens.”
Presentation:Prevention of suicide is of upmost concern for the Health Care Professional working with patients who have complex health care symptoms and psychiatric struggles. Dr. Lechnyr addressed the warning signs of suicide,how best to intervene,best practice strategies,and resources available to help in times of crisis for the patient,loved ones,and professionals.
June 16,2010: Dr. Terri Lechnyr,Ph.D. &Garreth MacDonald,DC presented to the Pain Society of Oregon on “MVA Injuries:Physical and Psychological Impact.”
Presentation:Motor Vehicle Accidents frequently result in complex interplay of physical and psychological traumatic injuries. Dr. Lechnyr’s portion of the presentation included:1) How traumatic responding patterns can complicate the clinical presentation,and 2) The symptoms that differentiate Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from Acute Stress Disorder. Dr. MacDonald reviewed whiplash epidemiology,biomechanics,soft tissue injury,diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment strategies.
2007/2008: Dr. Terri Lechnyr ran the control group at Oregon Research Institute presenting on important issues regarding “Fibromyalgia Management”to those who were diagnosed with this disorder. The research was testing the effects of Tai Chi on Fibromyalgia Syndromes,with the study showing positive results for this intervention.
Presentations:Her presentations ran on a weekly basis for nine months. She discussed the etiology behind Fibromyalgia Disorder, common signs and symptoms,healthy communication to family members,relaxation skills,and the use of laughter to cope,among other important topics.
PUBLICATIONS
Lechnyr,R.,&Lechnyr,T. (2010). Psychologists as Primary Care Providers in Chronic Pain &Complex Health Care. Practical Pain Management Journal. 2(10),38-49.
Lechnyr,R.,&Lechnyr,T. (2009). Helping Patients understand the World of Pain Medicine. Practical Pain Management Journal. 7(9),28-37.
Lechnyr,T. (2009). Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluations:A Follow-up Study of Patients Who Have Experienced the Implant of a Pain Management Device. Practical Pain Management Journal. 1(9),24-29.
Lechnyr,R.,&Lechnyr,T. (2008). Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluations:Issues for the Implant of a Pain Management Device. The Oregon Psychologist:Bulletin of the Oregon Psychological Association. 5(27),19-24.
Lechnyr,R.,&Lechnyr,T. (2008). Realistic Pacing of Pain Patient Activities. Practical Pain Management Journal. 5(8),41-43.
Lechnyr,T. (2007). Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluations:What Relates to Patient Satisfaction of a Spinal Implant for Pain Control? A Retrospective Study. Doctoral Dissertation,Harold Abel School of Psychology,Capella University.
Lechnyr,R.,& Lechnyr,T. (2007). Mistakes Made by Chronic Pain Patients:A Guide To Help Patients Avoid Pitfalls and Mistakes. Practical Pain Management Journal. 8(7),27-29.
Lechnyr,R.,&Lechnyr,T. (2005). Pain Management Pitfalls:Issues from Psychological Research. Practical Pain Management Journal. 1(5),40-44.
Lechnyr,R.,&Lechnyr,T. (2004). Provider-Patient Interactions: Understanding unconscious interpersonal defensive responses in a Chronic Pain Practice to Improve Interactions. Practical Pain Management Journal. 2(4),30-36.
Lechnyr,R.,&Lechnyr,T. (2003). Psychological Dimensions of Pain Management,Practical Pain Management Journal. 4(3),10-18.
Lechnyr,R.,& Lechnyr,T. (2003). Psychological Dimensions of Pain Management,abstracted (Selected for) in the accredited educational journal Analgesia File,Dannemiller Memorial Educational Foundation,12500 Network Blvd,Suite 101,San Antonio,Texas 78249-3302,anesthesiologyonline.com,August 27,2003.
