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E-Newsletter • December 2025 |
Editor's E-Note
The relationship between physical pain and trauma is nuanced. Often, trauma is overlooked when addressing chronic pain, something that a majority of patients being treated for chronic pain feel is equally important. This month’s exclusive explores the relationship between chronic pain treatment and trauma, exploring the ways in which both can be addressed simultaneously, hopefully leading to an improved quality of life.
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Enjoy the newsletter.
— Josh Hildebrand, editor |
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Study Finds Trauma Widely Overlooked in Chronic Pain Care, Despite High Patient Need
A new survey of Cleveland Clinic patients suggests that trauma is both highly prevalent and underaddressed in chronic pain care, leaving many patients without treatment that meaningfully addresses the intersection between traumatic experiences and pain. Researchers say the findings point to a significant gap in clinical practice and an opportunity for health systems to integrate trauma-responsive approaches into routine pain management.
The quality-improvement study, published in the September 2025 issue of Pain Medicine, analyzed responses from 702 adults with chronic primary pain who completed an anonymous electronic survey in 2022 and 2023. Although all respondents had been treated recently for pain—through primary care, pain management, physical therapy, or chiropractic care—the majority reported experiences that extended far beyond physical symptoms. According to the study, 68.2% of patients said they had experienced at least one traumatic event, and almost one in five reported both trauma exposure and clinically significant trauma symptoms.
“Previous research has shown that pain and trauma tend to intensify each other, but what stood out in our data is just how common trauma is among patients seeking pain care,” explains lead author Hallie Tankha, PhD, a psychologist in the Center for Wellness Research and Training at Cleveland Clinic. “Despite this, pain clinics are not consistently screening for trauma or connecting patients with treatments that address both conditions.”
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Financial Aid Amid Social Work Degree Reclassification
Degree reclassifications cap federal loan limits at $20,000, hindering prospective and current social work students from entering the field. Despite this, states such as New Mexico may have “millions” of financial aid options at the state level.
Families of Disabled Children Targeted by Child Protective Services in England
A new study found that families with disabled children are disproportionately targeted by child protective services. This targeting often results in said families forgoing seeking help when they truly need it.
Expanding Care in Rural South Carolina
A social worker initiative is helping prepare MSW students to address the needs of residents in rural South Carolina. This initiative, like others, aims to address to disparity of mental health needs among rural communities.
Minnesota Adds Social Workers to 911 Call Center
Minnesota is joining other states and counties adding social workers to 911 call centers to aid police in responding to mental health crises, among other things. |
The nation's top employers and recruiters of social workers advertise in Social Work Today magazine and post their job openings on AHCJobBoard.com. Check out the most recent opportunities that have been submitted by employers across the country!
Featured Employers
Defense Health Agency
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Navy Health Clinic, Oak Harbor, WA, US
Social Worker (Behavioral Health Consultant) GS-0185-12
Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, NC, US
Clinical Psychologist - GS-0180-12
Fort Drum, NY, US
Physician (Psychiatrist) - 0602 - GP 14
Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA, US
Clinical Psychologist (Behavioral Health Consultant)
Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, LA, US |
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