Managing Chronic Pain Through Mindset Changes

Chronic pain can be really challenging for many, especially older individuals. While traditional physical treatments might provide some level of relief, experts suggest that modifying one’s mindset—essentially how the brain perceives pain—can lead to a significant decrease in discomfort.

Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist from California and founder of the Amen Clinic, explores the link between brain function and chronic pain in his latest book, Change Your Brain, Change Your Pain.

Understanding Chronic Pain

In a recent interview, Dr. Amen highlighted that chronic pain is not just localized to areas like joints, knees, or the back. He mentioned, “If it’s been there for more than three weeks, it’s living in your brain now.” He added that our brains are equipped with pain-sensing circuits that respond to both physical and emotional pain.

Amen noted that certain antidepressants are FDA-approved for treating chronic pain because they address both emotional and physical issues. “They work in the same circuits in the brain,” he explained, emphasizing that a healthier brain generally translates to less pain, both physically and mentally.

Importantly, he clarified that this doesn’t suggest people are making their pain up—it’s a complex matter.

Brain-Body Connection

Dr. Amen pointed out that just like any organ, the brain needs balance; being overworked or underworked in specific areas can heighten pain and stress throughout the body. He describes a concept he refers to as the “loop of fate,” where chronic pain can activate circuits in the brain that lead to negative thoughts and muscle tension, fostering harmful habits.

“It sends you into a spiral… your brain goes out of control,” he elaborated, illustrating how back pain tightens surrounding muscles, creating a vicious circle of discomfort.

He also mentioned that while surgery might still be necessary, its efficacy could be enhanced if there’s better coordination between one’s brain and body.

Exploring the Meaning of Pain

For those grappling with chronic pain, Dr. Amen encourages evaluating brain health first. He suggests asking oneself, “What does pain mean to you?” He pointed out that often, the fear of losing independence is a major concern linked to pain.

Dr. Amen referred to insights from Dr. John Sarno, a rehabilitation physician, who noted that pain often stems from repressed emotions. “Repressed emotions have to go somewhere, and they can actually go to the pain circuits in your brain,” he explained.

This insight can be quite profound, as it hints that feelings of anger or sadness could manifest as physical pain in areas like the back, knees, or neck.

Amen warned of falling into a “loop of destruction,” where physical pain leads to negative emotions and further physical suffering. To counter this, he advocates for a practice called “emotional freedom,” which involves journaling significant events from various periods of one’s life, capturing both joys and struggles to identify suppressed feelings.

He also suggested that maintaining a positive mindset could diminish anger and alleviate pain, indicating an interesting interplay between our emotional state and physical well-being.