Relief and Recovery from Chronic Pain
Chronic Pain and the Brain
Once you have ruled out physical damage such as cancer, infection, fracture and auto immune diseases chronic pain is caused by the brain. There is mounting evidence to support that pain is your body’s way of protecting you from unresolved emotional turmoil, be it in the past or the present.
Out bodies and minds are intrinsically linked and learnt neural pathways can trigger feelings of pain. What’s even more exciting is that those neural pathways are not hard wired, they can be updated and changed, therefore regaining your life from Chronic Pain is absolutely possible.
I’d like to help explain a little more about how chronic pain and the brain are interlinked. Below is a video by Georgie Oldfield MCSP, a leading expert within this field.
Chronic Pain conditions
Symptoms in this field of work are sometimes called TMS (Tension Myositis Syndrome) PPD (Psychophysiologic Disorders) or Stress Induced Conditions. These can include:
- Back pain, neck pain, hip pain, shoulder pain and any other aches and pains.
- Sciatica
- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
- Whiplash
- RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
- Sacro-Iliac Joint dysfunction
- Numbness, Itching, Burning, Tingling
- Frequent infections
- Allergies
- Undiagnosed chest pain
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
- Tinnitus
A normal sign of ageing?
Research has shown that disc degeneration, disc bulges and annular fissure are a normal part of ageing and have found no correlation with pain. This table shows the prevelance of these imaging finding in asymptomatic patients i.e. those that experience no pain.
The Problem with Current Chronic Pain Treatments
Morphine: When used for musculoskeletal pain was found to be no more effective than paracetamol or NSAIDs and can cause hypergesia (1)
Spinal Injections: Benefits of epidural courtcosteroid injections for radiculopathy were small and not sustained. Limited evidence suggested no effectiveness for spinal stenosis (2)
Spinal Surgery: Lumber fusion for disc degeneration, disc herniation, and/or radiculopathy in Workers Compensation subjections is associated with significant increase in disability, opiate use, prolonged work loss and poor return to work (3)
Non- surgical treatments: The effects on non-surgical treatments for non-specific low back pain is only small to moderate. Therefore there is a dire need for more effective interventions (4)
My approach focuses on recovery rather than just managing your symptoms. It’s an educational, empowering approach which help you identify and change the route causes of your chronic pain symptoms.
About the Author - Zoe Thompson
Zoe is a qualified hypnotherapist, NLP practitioner and TMS/SIRPA Pain Recovery Specialist. Zoe is passionate about helping people find freedom from the anxieties, stress illnesses, chronic pain and other issues that prevent fulfillment in life and work. Zoe has 10 years experience in helping people and teams make positive change so they feel happier and healthier in their life. You can read more about Zoe here.
My Alternative Chronic Pain Treatment - 4 simple steps
Step 1 – The first step is a complimentary mindset review, this is an opportunity to chat either online or over the phone to learn more about your specific experiences. It’s also a chance to answer any questions you have.
Step 2 – If we decide my services are right for you we’ll begin with an in-depth assessment, helping you connect the dots and understand what is contributing to your chronic pain/TMS symptoms.
Step 3 – Following your assessment we’ll design an individual treatment plan to tackle any elements which came up in the assessment. You’ll have 1-2-1 sessions either in person or online.
Step 4 – Your plan will also be supported by online tools which are available 24/7 so you can deepen your understanding and improve your mental toolkit in the comfort of your own home.
If you would like support with your Chronic Pain or support for your employee wellbeing, click below to book a complimentary mindset review.
Apologies, I’m currently not accepting any new clients.