Successful Treatment of Multifactorial Chronic Daily Headaches at an Interdisciplinary Chronic Pain Program: A Case Study

Chronic daily headaches (CDHs) are common, disabling, and difficult to treat. We report a case of a patient with a complex medical history experiencing multifactorial CDH referred for and eventually enrolled in an interdisciplinary chronic pain program. Focusing on enhancing the patient's function while minimizing the use of medications and invasive procedures, this comprehensive rehabilitation intervention consists of diverse treatment approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, physical and occupational therapy, and medical interventions. Despite the patient's challenges with implementation of strategies learned in the program, positive results were seen, including decreased symptomatology, decreased opioid use, and attainment of employment. Although time-intensive, interdisciplinary chronic pain programs may result in a greater likelihood for sustained functional improvements and prevention of disability for patients with CDH, even in the most complex.