A Slight Change of Plans A Novel Approach to Treating Chronic Pain
Jul 29, 2024
Alan Gordon, a psychotherapist and author of 'The Way Out', takes listeners on a fascinating journey into the psychology of chronic pain. He reveals that much pain stems from the brain misinterpreting signals rather than physical injuries. Alan shares innovative strategies like pain reprocessing therapy and explains somatic tracking to alleviate discomfort. He emphasizes the role of fear in pain perception and advocates for a shift toward mindful pain management. This insightful conversation opens new doors for understanding and treating chronic pain.
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Alan Gordon's Chronic Pain Journey
- Alan Gordon shares his personal struggle with chronic back pain without any clear injury or structural cause.
- Despite numerous medical opinions and treatments, his pain persisted, leading to growing fear and frustration.
Pain Often from Brain Misinterpretation
- Many people have disc bulges or degeneration without pain; these are often normal abnormalities.
- Chronic pain can arise from the brain misfiring pain circuits, not always from structural damage.
Pain as Brain-Generated Signal
- All pain is generated in the brain as a survival mechanism.
- Chronic pain often results when the brain mistakenly interprets safe signals as dangerous, called neuroplastic or learned pain.
