Most people would agree that they don’t feel like themselves when they are in pain. They can feel vulnerable and even lash out at those around them. Thankfully, most injury pain is short-term and resolves easily with care.
Long-term, chronic pain, however, is a lot different than short-term pain and it actually changes how your brain functions. Research has shown that chronic pain affects the emotional region of the brain, specifically, the Amygdala. When the Amygdala cannot regulate emotion or stress properly, situations that cause stress, fear or anxiety can significantly increase back pain (1.).
Another study on negativity found that people who suffer from chronic back pain, are more negative in their relationships with others and on their overall view of the world around them. They are not just in a surly mood. Chronic back pain physically changed his or her brain function and eroded the ability to regulate negative emotion. (2)
Back pain is the most common physical ailment that humans suffer, and it often subsides with rest and ice. Back pain that does not relieve within a couple of days should be seen by a Chiropractor. Acute pain can usually be treated quickly and with complete relief. Acute injuries that are not stabilized properly may heal wrong and result in a chronic condition, which can generate daily, debilitating pain, and permanently change a person’s brain function.
- Pain Report. 2017 April 11;2(3): e601
- Pain. 2107 November 13