Chronic pain can feel like a never-ending struggle, exhausting both physically and emotionally. What’s more, it can often feel like there’s no clear explanation for why the pain persists, especially when no physical injury can be pinpointed. If you’ve experienced this, you’re not alone. One possible explanation is neurogenic pain—pain that originates in the brain and nervous system rather than from a physical injury or disease. And while this pain is very real, understanding its root cause can offer new hope for relief.
What Is Neurogenic Pain?
Neurogenic pain occurs when the brain misinterprets normal bodily sensations, creating pain even in the absence of physical damage. It’s a result of how the brain and nervous system process pain signals. Once triggered by an injury or trauma, the brain can “learn” to keep sending these pain signals long after the original injury has healed. As a result, the pain persists even when there’s no longer a physical reason for it.
This type of pain, known as neural circuit pain, often involves a heightened sensitivity in the brain and nervous system. Essentially, the brain becomes “stuck” in a loop of sending pain signals, even in the absence of an injury. Conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are frequently linked to neurogenic pain, with the brain’s pain-processing pathways becoming dysregulated.
The Science Behind Neurogenic Pain
The brain plays a crucial role in how we experience pain. When you sustain an injury, the brain activates pain signals as a protective mechanism, alerting the body to avoid further harm. However, in some cases, the brain’s pain circuits become oversensitive or “sensitized.” This can happen after emotional trauma, ongoing stress, or a physical injury that the brain perceives as more severe than it truly is. As a result, the pain response becomes exaggerated, continuing long after the injury has healed.
Research into the brain’s role in chronic pain has shown that pain doesn’t always stem from tissue damage. Studies have demonstrated that conditions like fibromyalgia are associated with increased activity in brain regions responsible for pain processing, such as the anterior cingulate cortex and insula (Baliki et al., 2011). These areas become hyperactive in individuals with chronic pain, amplifying the pain experience.
How Chronic Stress and Trauma Affect Pain
The connection between chronic pain and emotional stress is well-documented. Studies have found that unresolved emotional trauma can contribute to pain conditions, with the brain remaining on high alert, sending pain signals even when no injury is present. Dr. John Sarno, a pioneer in mind-body medicine, emphasized the role of repressed emotions and past trauma in triggering chronic pain. In his research, he showed that individuals who experienced emotional stress or trauma were more likely to develop conditions like chronic back pain and fibromyalgia, as their brains began to process these emotional burdens as physical pain.
In fact, a study published in The Journal of Pain found that individuals with chronic pain often show changes in the way their brains process pain signals, linking emotional stress and pain perception (Giesecke et al., 2004). This highlights the intricate relationship between the mind and the body in the experience of pain.
Can Neurogenic Pain Be Treated?
Neurogenic pain is a complex condition, and conventional treatments like medications or physical therapy often only offer temporary relief. However, there is hope. One of the most promising methods to address neurogenic pain is Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), a mind-body approach designed to retrain the brain and nervous system to stop the cycle of pain.
PRT, based on the work of Dr. John Sarno and Dr. Howard Schubiner, focuses on the brain’s role in pain and helps individuals address the emotional and psychological factors that contribute to chronic pain. By identifying and releasing emotional trauma, PRT helps the brain and nervous system reset, reducing or eliminating the pain response. Research has shown that PRT can significantly improve conditions like chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, and other pain syndromes (Schubiner, 2018).
At Mind Body Hypnosis, I offer specialized Pain Reprocessing Therapy to help clients address the root causes of their chronic pain. This approach has been proven to help individuals retrain their brain’s response to pain, resulting in lasting relief.
Why Your Pain Is Real—and What You Can Do About It
If you’re suffering from chronic pain, it’s important to understand that your pain is real. It’s not imagined or “all in your head.” Neurogenic pain arises from real changes in how the brain processes pain signals, and it can have a profound impact on your daily life. However, by addressing the brain’s role in this process, there is a way to break free from the cycle of pain.
Pain Reprocessing Therapy offers a holistic solution that goes beyond masking symptoms. By rewiring the brain’s pain response, PRT can help you regain control of your body and your life.
Conclusion
Neurogenic pain is a complex and often misunderstood condition, but with the right approach, relief is possible. By understanding how the brain creates pain, individuals can take proactive steps to address the underlying causes of their chronic pain. Through therapies like Pain Reprocessing Therapy, it’s possible to break the cycle of pain and live a life free from chronic suffering.
At Mind Body Hypnosis, I’m dedicated to helping you reclaim your life and break free from chronic pain. If you’ve been struggling with pain that doesn’t seem to have a physical cause, Pain Reprocessing Therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
References:
- Giesecke, T., et al. (2004). “The relationship between pain and anxiety in fibromyalgia.” The Journal of Pain, 5(3), 166–172.
- Baliki, M. N., et al. (2011). “Cortical and subcortical interactions in the brain during pain: Insights from neuroimaging.” The Journal of Neuroscience, 31(22), 8423–8430.
- Schubiner, H. (2018). The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain.
By addressing the neurological roots of your pain, you can regain control over your health and well-being. Don’t let chronic pain define your life—take the first step toward healing today.
