Pain
More than a sensation. Pain is the body's alarm system, warning of tissue damage. But when pain persists beyond healing, the nervous system becomes sensitized— the alarm gets stuck "on." Chronic pain involves the brain, emotions, and nervous system plasticity. Treating it requires addressing all these levels.
Types of Pain
Nociceptive
Tissue damage pain. Inflammatory (arthritis) or mechanical (injury). Usually localizable. Responds to anti-inflammatories.
Neuropathic
Nerve damage pain. Burning, shooting, electric. Diabetic neuropathy, sciatica. Needs different meds.
Nociplastic/Central
Sensitized nervous system. No tissue damage found. Fibromyalgia, chronic widespread pain. Brain-based.
How Pain Becomes Chronic
Acute pain is protective. Chronic pain is the system gone wrong:
Multi-Modal Pain Management
Reduce Inflammation
Anti-inflammatory diet, omega-3s, curcumin. Address systemic inflammation sources.
Movement
Graded exercise. Movement is medicine. Avoidance makes pain worse long-term.
Sleep Optimization
Pain and sleep are bidirectional. Poor sleep = more pain. Must address together.
Nervous System Work
Breathwork, meditation, vagus nerve stimulation. Calm the sensitized system.
Pain Neuroscience Education
Understanding pain science reduces fear. Fear of movement worsens chronic pain.
Address Emotions
Trauma, stress, emotions affect pain. Somatic therapies, psychology support.