The biopsychosocial approach provides the necessary framework for understanding and treating chronic pain. Through education, cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation training, and active adaptation, the biopsychosocial approach allows patients to learn to control their internal environments (pain-related thoughts and emotions) and to influence their responses to the external environment (physical condition, work, significant others, and other stresses). This education-based model of therapy combines naturally with the medical model and medical care.