Pain: In Our Mind, Body, And World.
Let’s Break The Pain Spiral! ⚡️🌀⛓️💥
Neuroplasticity — Neruo WHO? It is a fancy word that means your brain can reorganize itself throughout life! Um, yay…close some tabs and edit tabs; the tabs are your oyster; ok, that’s not the saying, but you get my point. This is cool; it allows our brain to compensate for injury and disease and adjust to new situations or changes in our environment.
The brain is akin to a meticulously plotted roadmap of trails. Some trails have been etched into your consciousness since birth, serving as well-trodden, straightforward pathways to specific outcomes — beliefs, mindsets, or skills. Until death do us part!
Others represent uncharted territory, where you stand at the threshold of a complex forest with no clear entry point. Armed with determination, you are resolute in your quest to reach your destination; you know it won’t be easy— Whether mastering a new skill, like learning a new instrument or adopting an abundant mindset, I’m unstoppable.
Additionally, there are trails you initiated in the past but have failed to maintain, resulting in their gradual overgrowth; this is where things get interesting — symbolizing skills, attitudes, and beliefs that have fallen by the wayside. For instance, a language you no longer speak or a habit you intend to break. This is all possible because, thankfully, the brain is malleable.
Neuroplasticity — I know right that word again plays a significant role in the context of bad habits, as repeated exposure to behaviours can lead to changes in the brain’s structure and function. These changes can reinforce behaviour and make it difficult for us to control our impulses.
Neuroplasticity — at this point, I have no excuses; it also plays a significant role in chronic pain (pain persisting for more than three months). When we experience chronic pain, the nervous system can change its structure and function. This can lead to a persistent perception of pain even long after it has healed. Say whatttttt? No Thank-you. Understanding the role of neuroplasticity in chronic pain is vital for developing effective treatment approaches that target the underlying changes in the nervous system.
Pain is complex; cringe. As much as I want to be able to tell you there is one centre of the brain for pain, there simply isn’t — in fact, many regions relate to pain.
The term ‘pain spiral’ — makes me want to spiral — is often used to describe a situation in which the experience of long-term pain triggers negative emotions and physical discomfort, leading to worsening pain. This cycle can create a spiral in which our pain exacerbates our emotional distress, which in turn intensifies our perception of pain, leading to further distress. The concept of a pain spiral underscores the complex interplay between physical and emotional factors in the experience of long-term pain —gag; I need to close this tab.
Breaking the pain spiral refers to interrupting the cycle of chronic pain, which can involve physical, psychological, and behavioural components — Why am I still on this tab? It often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including various strategies such as movement, mind-body techniques, mindfulness, and even nature. Ooh, nature? keep going …
In the context of beliefs — that no longer serve your highest good — neuroplasticity suggests that your brain can adapt and change its neural pathways to let go of old, unhelpful beliefs, habits, and ways of thinking to establish new, more beneficial ones. Phew! Understanding this connection allows us to rewire our brains to replace limiting beliefs with positive and empowering ones!
“I will never fully recover from this injury, so there’s no point in trying to rehabilitate or seek treatment.”
This is an example of a limiting belief about injury recovery that can hinder someone from actively participating in their rehabilitation and seeking proper medical care.
“I feel so much better after a short walk in nature; the movement relieves pain. I’m going to do that again tomorrow!”
Similar to a belief that you’re not good at math and will never understand it, this is a false and limiting belief. To improve at math, you must practice to gain a new understanding. The more you practice, the more familiar and easier it will become.
Persistent pain affects our mind, body, and world. Let’s break the pain spiral! Aww, you didn’t close this tab; you made my day— Thank You!
What daily practices do you engage in that involve movement, nature, joy, reflection, mindfulness, or self-care? What limiting beliefs are you ready to toss today, tomorrow or next?
In health + wonder
All That Glitters
