The Mind and Body Connection

Mind and body are one. How we think about pain greatly affects our perception. When we fear pain as a threat it causes our sympathetic nervous system to become hyper-vigilant and react to pain and stress abnormally. It is preparing for danger by increasing muscle tension, increasing heart rate, increasing breathing rate, and approximately 200 chemicals are released, which, in turn increase pain.

When we teach our nervous system to decrease intensity and to think differently about our pain, the hyper-vigilant process is eliminated, and pain levels decrease. Learning to live with chronic pain is learning skills to bring pain to comfortable levels rather than finding an end to the pain.

Identification of Chronic Pain

  • Pain persists after initial healing has occurred.
  • Negative response to medical treatment.
  • Pain intensifies and may spread over total body.
  • Disruptions of sleep patterns.
  • Increased use of pain medication.
  • Stopping of all pleasurable activities.
  • Chronic pain behaviors are observed, such as: guarding,
       bracing, moaning, groaning, rubbing, holding, limping and pain
       talk.
  • Display feelings of anger and depression.
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    Myth vs Fact

    Myth: Chronic pain isn't real pain. It is in their head.
    Fact: Chronic pain is real pain.


    Myth: People with chronic pain are just looking for sympathy and an escape from life.
    Fact: People with chronic pain often withdraw from their family and friends due to depression which is caused by the pain.


    Myth: No pain, no gain.
    Fact: Agressive exercise programs for individuals with chronic pain are to be avoided. This usually results in an increase in symptoms and less functional activity.


    Myth: Tough it out. Ignore the pain and it will go away.
    Fact: Acceptance is the key to survival with chronic pain. Not denial.