I was just talking to my team and we were discussing how your nervous system can play tricks on you. Especially when you have had pain for a long time.
If you don’t know about this topic it can leave you stuck in a vicious cycle of continued pain. This will impact you work, your relationships, your activities and choices in your life.
And I don’t want that for you.
I want you to have a deeper understanding of this topic so you can start taking control of this. This will lead to better work opportunities and relationships. Additionally you will make better choices for your physical and mental health.
So here is what I want to share with you today:
Topic 1 – The nervous system is in a constant state of flux.
The pain you feel with chronic pain is influenced by your thoughts, fears and past experiences. That is if you feel anxious, worried and fearful this can and will lead to your nervous system being more sensitive. This means that stimuli that may not cause pain for someone else, can lead to a painful stimulus for someone who is overanxious or worried. Learning how to stay calm and relaxed through mindfulness, meditation and breathing can go a long way to settling your chronic pain.
Topic 2 – Your hypersensitive nervous system
It is common for people with chronic pain to feel pain for a stimulus that others would feel as normal. This may be something as simple as a touch stimulus, such as someone touching a scar or a tight muscle. This is because your nervous system becomes hypersensitive and tries to protect the area from any “perceived threats”. If you feel this, it is normal for someone with chronic pain. With an empathetic and gradual rehabilitation process, this can be worked through.
Topic 3 – You need to teach your body how to move again.
Through a gradual and patient approach, we need to teach you how to have confidence in your body again. Typically, this involves exercises that gradually restore the movement and strength supporting you. Flare ups can and will happen, but with education, guidance and support you will break through this.
Listen, I hope this was helpful
P.S: Want to learn more about how we can help you to get on top of your chronic pain?
Ross Kinsella
