Using mindset to feel less pain
How is pain processed by the brain?
There are two neural pathways responsible for feeling pain. As you would expect, there is a neural highway, where the nerves located throughout the body, transmit information to the brain. The nerves are present to respond to stimuli so that you know when your body needs attention, no matter how unpleasant the sensation.
However, there is an additional pathway dedicated to pain located only within the brain – not the body. In January this year Scientists at the University of Colorado discovered that the areas of the brain associated with emotion and motivation control our conscious associations with pain. With brain training techniques you can use the power of thought to stage an intervention with these pain pathways.
Is back pain cured?
No. Mind training techniques cannot cure the body stimuli which cause pain in the first place e.g. a slipped disc or osteoarthritis. The pain is still present. Stress and negative emotions attached to the pain increase its potency. With practice you can improve your thought responses.
Try this at home
Before using brain training for serious back pain, check that it is right for you. The next time you experience a minor pain such as a stubbed toe, use visualization, positive self-talk, or distraction to minimise the intensity of the experience. If you responded positively you can take brain training to the next level.
Mindfulness
In brief, mindfulness is a recent western adaptation of eastern meditative practices. To manage pain, you learn to observe not only the pain objectively, but your thoughts about it. In a sense you are separating the pain from yourself so it becomes manageable. Mindfulness is not a shortcut to pain relief and does take effort and practice for the technique to work. Start your research on mindfulness here.
Meditation
Meditation practices are as varied as the cultures they stem from. By controlling breath and focussing your mind you can achieve a meditative state which eases various stresses from the brain. For pain management, do your research to find a practitioner that has the skill base to help you and ask your doctor for advice.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
CBT is commonly used by psychologists as a method to engage patients with their own thought patterns. Patients are guided to identify the factors that cause problems and establish steps to gradually overcome them. The process uses practical worksheets and exercises that empower people to make their own transformation.
What brain training techniques should I use?
In the first instance visit your GP to see if they can arrange a referral to a psychologist or mindfulness practitioner. Remember that you will need to use these techniques alongside prescribed medication and other pain management therapies.
