Your brain controls your body. The pain you feel is regulated by your brain. In other words, the pain you feel is your brain’s message to you about something that’s going on in your body. So, pain is actually your friend. It helps you know when your body is in danger. When you feel pain, your brain is urging you to react and protect yourself.
Chronic pain is a different story. It is not telling you about danger, because it is always there. Chronic pain is an unpleasant emotional experience. Not only is the pain itself an emotional experience, but it causes emotional reactions because of the effect it has on your life. You can’t do all the things you want to because of pain. Lack of activity can lead to depression and anxiety. Pain can also cause sleep problems and memory problems.
It is important to take an active role in managing your pain. Here are some things that will help:
Use your mind to manage your pain. Your thoughts are very powerful and can help you overcome pain. Use visualizations to give yourself a break from your pain. Take yourself to a beautiful and relaxing place in your mind.
Exercise daily. No matter how much pain you are experiencing, you can exercise some. If you are not able to walk, consider rocking in a rocking chair. Talk to your doctor or your physical therapist about appropriate exercises.
Eat well. A healthy diet will support your body and reduce your pain levels. Eat foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Avoid processed foods. Increase your intake of dark leafy greens and strive for two cups per day. Research foods that reduce inflammation and add them to your diet. Avoid foods that cause inflammation.
Do deep breathing throughout the day. Learn how to breathe properly from your belly. Take slow, deep breaths that fill your body with oxygen. Deep breathing also helps to release tension and promotes relaxation.
Be careful not to over-do it. Listen to your body and stop before you have done too much. Rest frequently throughout the day rather than pushing through. Give your body a chance to recover before moving on.
Get a good night’s sleep. Your body repairs itself while you sleep. If you sleep well, you will wake up with less pain.
Pain is what your brain perceives pain to be. When you change your brain’s perception of pain, your experience of pain changes. You can reduce or even eliminate your pain by teaching your brain to regulate itself instead of using drugs for regulation.
Neurofeedback teaches your brain to calm down and self-regulate. As your brain learns to relax your muscles your whole body follows suit. As your brain redefines the way it interprets nerve impulses, your sensitivity will begin to return to normal levels. Your pain levels go down.
