The Chronic Pain Cycle (and how to end it for good!)

Note: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.

We’ve all been there - you hurt yourself, and moving the injured area causes the pain to increase, so you stop moving.

But then you get anxious because you aren’t moving and that anxiety causes even more pain…. making it even more uncomfortable for you to move. And then that decreased mobility leads to even more anxiety… and well, you get the (pain) point. But not to fear - it is possible to break out of the chronic pain cycle!

A picture, because our brains like pictures!

HOW TO BREAK OUT OF THE CHRONIC PAIN CYCLE

MOVE YOUR BODY

One way in which to break the pain cycle is to find movements that don’t hurt and do more of those movements! If you stop moving altogether, you reinforce to your brain that moving is scary and bad, but finding gentle movements that don’t trigger your pain response can be a really safe and nourishing way to convince your brain that moving is actually safe.

ALTER YOUR EMOTIONAL STATE

If your pain is the result of emotional or stress triggers, dealing with those triggers directly can help you break free of the chronic pain cycle. Learn how to change your emotional state or break the negative thought patterns associated with your pain cycle by trying out the R.A.I.N. mindfulness technique.

BUST YOUR ANXIETY WITH BREATHWORK

Your breath is a direct highway to your nervous system (and brain!). Usually, our breath is unconsciously responding to our environment, but one of the coolest things about being a human (in our humble opinion), is that we also have the ability to consciously control our breath. Intentionally changing your breathing patterns can reverse the direction of traffic and actually send signals to your brain that you’re safe! Learn how you can beat anxiety with three simple breathing drills here.

TACKLE YOUR PAIN WHERE IT STARTS - IN THE BRAIN!

Understanding the language of pain helps us realize that pain is an experience that starts in the brain. Neuro-centric drills can help you speak back to your brain and send messages that you’re actually in a space of safety - ultimately helping your brain calm down and stop pressing on the pain button. It’s pretty cool, and one of the most effective ways we’ve found to help our clients finally get rid of nagging, mysterious pain. We know, it sounds weird, but that’s why we let you try our brain-based coaching for free - we promise, your body (and brain!) will love it!

BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF

Be gentle with yourself! Pain is often a request for change or rest. Honoring this request and taking things slow and extending yourself extra kindness goes a long way towards managing pain and breaking the cycle.

Ready to break your pain cycle for good? Join our expert coach, Amanda Bauer, for our next PILLARS OF STRENGTH: Fundamentals of brain-based coaching course to learn how harnessing the three pillars of strength - movement, balance, and vision - could be your key to a pain free life. And/or get started today with the FOREST Cornerstones Method Course. A self-study beginners guide to neuro-centric wellness - Click here to sign up.