Jim fell on the job and injured a nerve in his hand. Despite expert treatment with various medications and physical therapy, his pain was getting worse. It spread up his arm to his shoulder, neck, and back. He developed headaches, digestive problems. He couldn’t sleep, was anxious all the time, and it was hurting his family relationshipsWhy Does Chronic Pain Develop and Spread?Chronic pain is a complex disease. In many cases, the body-mind’s own protective responses become part of the problem. That includes overactivity of the stress response, but also nerve-muscle guarding responses, and changes in the soft-tissue and fascia.Also, gut-brain-immune interactions can drive chronic pain, and are showing up in chronic illnesses including autoimmune disease, fibromyalgia, dementia, neuro-degeneration, arthritis, neuropathy, and more. It might be decades before the research is organized into treatment that the average family doctor will offer. In the meantime, many people benefit from safe lifestyle approaches that address the underlying causes of chronic pain and illness. And that often helps people heal, feel better, and live better.The things that doctors and therapists do to you can be helpful. But it’s even more important to empower yourself. Your own inner intelligence is part of the healing process. No matter how sick you are, there is health inside of you.Simple techniques of breathing, meditation, and movement can be transforming because they help turn off the protective responses that drive the disease of chronic pain. And the right kind of movement can build your confidence, re-educate distorted movement patterns, and help you feel better and regain function. These are a crucial part of your healing program.This is the second of a three-part video series. You can access the other two parts at the links below.
Did You Know:
Movement Toward Health is an affordable online program to help you develop skills in mindfulness, breathing techniques, and mindful movement. Other participants have had significant improvements in pain, well-being, and sense of confidence to live life fully. www.MTHtribe.com
Dr Shiller gives regular free mind-body training sessions on zoom. You can get the schedule and register at www.mindbodygroove.com
You can learn more about Dr Shiller’s practice and schedule a telemedicine or in-person consultation at www.drshiller.com
