Pain that lasts for more than 3-6 months is called chronic. It does not tell us anything useful (i.e. it has no 'signal value') and does not respond to standard medical treatment. The nerve pathways that transmit the sensation of chronic pain up the spinal cord go to different parts of the brain, including the emotional center called the limbic system, Therefore, our emotions can effect how we experience pain. In that sense, pain is a complicated perception and not just a sensation. But that also means that the state of our minds can very much influence our tolerance for pain.
Fibromyalgia is a good example of this. Fibromyalgia is not a progressive or life threatening illness but is a collection of symptoms including widespread pain of fibrous tissues in the body, which can vary in type and severity from person to person. It is more common than rheumatoid arthritis and affects from 3-6 million people in the USA, 85% of whom are women. These folk typically suffer with symptoms for almost eight years before getting a diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and hypnosis can be used as part of a treatment package for chronic physical pain, like that caused by FMS. This is because there is a close link between the mind and the body, blushing being is a good example of this. Psychological methods can also affect the part of our brain that deals with attention, and this can also indirectly effect how we experience pain. That is, if we can learn to really focus on sensations opposite to pain, we become less aware of painful feelings.
It may be hard to believe that the mind can affect the body in this way, but doctors have known for many years that our psychological makeup can greatly influence how we experience chronic illnesses. When psychological therapies are combined with physical ones such as chiropractic treatments, the outcome can be very promising.
Fibromyalgia is a good example of this. Fibromyalgia is not a progressive or life threatening illness but is a collection of symptoms including widespread pain of fibrous tissues in the body, which can vary in type and severity from person to person. It is more common than rheumatoid arthritis and affects from 3-6 million people in the USA, 85% of whom are women. These folk typically suffer with symptoms for almost eight years before getting a diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and hypnosis can be used as part of a treatment package for chronic physical pain, like that caused by FMS. This is because there is a close link between the mind and the body, blushing being is a good example of this. Psychological methods can also affect the part of our brain that deals with attention, and this can also indirectly effect how we experience pain. That is, if we can learn to really focus on sensations opposite to pain, we become less aware of painful feelings.
It may be hard to believe that the mind can affect the body in this way, but doctors have known for many years that our psychological makeup can greatly influence how we experience chronic illnesses. When psychological therapies are combined with physical ones such as chiropractic treatments, the outcome can be very promising.
