Do you have chronic pain even after medical treatment? Chronic pain is pain which starts with acute pain from an injury or illness but persists after the original injury is healed. Acute pain is the body’s alarm system. Chronic pain is like a fire alarm that initially warns us but then keeps ringing after the fire is out. Pain persists due to neurological and biochemical changes which occur with an injury. In a sense it becomes “locked in” the brain and nervous system and does not resolve with normal medical treatment. Pain medications may reduce or temporarily stop pain but do not resolve the chronic pain. In addition, any history of trauma such as car accidents, childhood abuse or neglect, sports injuries, brain injuries or combat exposure tend to make it worse. Brain scans, in fact, show that with chronic pain there is more activity in the areas of the brain involved with memory and emotions. The long term effects can result in Chronic Pain Syndrome (CPS) which may include clusters of symptoms (anxiety, depression, stress, fatigue, sleep problems, weight gain, poor memory, difficulty concentrating, social isolation, irritability, anger and decreased interest in sex), lifestyle changes (reduction of normal activities and relationship and financial problems) and the risk of addiction to pain medications. The good news is that there are treatments which can help manage, reduce or completely end chronic pain by activating the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Though each person’s experience differs, the kind of chronic pain which may respond to this treatment includes but is not limited to: Back pain, sciatica, widespread muscle pain due to fibromyalgia, joint pain, abdominal pain, migraine headaches, pain resulting from surgery and post surgery scar tissue, phantom limb pain, and pain resulting from burns and burn scars.
The Treatment
The therapies which are used to activate and accelerate the natural healing process are TRM (Trauma Resiliency Model, a somatic therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Along with treatment patients are trained to use interventions between appointments and are given information about additional resources. Traditional talk therapy can be helpful for many issues but it does not alleviate pain.
The benefits of treatment include a decrease of the symptoms associated with CPS, resumption of normal activities and a reduced dependence on or complete end to the need for pain medication. Even if the pain does not completely end, the treatment and training gives patients a greater sense of control over the pain and ultimately over their lives.
Note: If there is no noticeable change resulting from treatment, after a consultation with your MD (with your permission) you can be referred for other alternative treatment modalities.
If you would like to set up an appointment please call Lloyd Hamner at California Christian Counseling Center at 818-785-3372.
