Why is 'No' the Most Important Word for Healing Pain?
Dec 8, 2021
auto_awesome
Alan and Alon interview Christie Uipi, a pain therapist and participant in a groundbreaking study on chronic pain. They discuss how chronic pain was treated in the study, Christie's own struggles, and the power of 'No'. Christie reveals the single most important thing for overcoming pain.
The Boulder Back Pain Study showed the reversibility of chronic pain, with 66% of patients reporting being pain-free or virtually pain-free after four weeks of treatment.
Prioritizing one's own safety and comfort is the most crucial concept in pain recovery, allowing individuals to develop a stronger sense of self and make progress in their healing journey.
Deep dives
The Boulder Back Pain Study: Groundbreaking Results in Chronic Pain Treatment
The Boulder Back Pain Study conducted by researchers Alan Gordon and Kristi Weepy focused on treating clients with chronic low back pain. The study aimed to help patients understand that pain originates in the brain and provided them with strategies to break free from the pain-fear cycle. After four weeks of treatment with pain reprocessing therapy (PRT), 66% of the patients reported being pain-free or virtually pain-free, while 98% showed improvement. The study's groundbreaking outcomes highlight the reversibility of chronic pain, contrary to mainstream medical beliefs. The therapy also led to visible changes in patients' brains through functional MRI scans. The results, published in JAMA Psychiatry, mark a significant step towards mainstream acceptance of mind-body approaches to chronic pain.
The Importance of Putting Self-Care First in Pain Recovery
According to pain therapist Kristi Weepy, the single most crucial concept in pain recovery is prioritizing one's own safety and comfort. All pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) techniques, such as decreasing fear thoughts, increasing self-compassion, and practicing somatic tracking, are secondary to understanding one's individual needs for wellbeing. It is essential to develop an internal safety compass that guides individuals in understanding what they need at any given moment to feel safe and at ease. A compassionate approach that focuses on self-care rather than simply performing techniques is key to long-term progress and recovery.
The Power of Saying 'No' and Avoiding People-Pleasing in Pain Recovery
Many chronic pain sufferers struggle with people-pleasing tendencies, often finding it challenging to say 'no' and prioritize their own needs. Christi Weepy emphasizes the importance of being in touch with one's internal needs and the ability to tolerate difficult emotions when disappointing others. She highlights the difference between self-care and caring for oneself, urging chronic pain sufferers to focus on their own comfort and safety. By avoiding the need to please others and listening to their own needs, individuals can develop a stronger sense of self and make progress in their pain recovery journey.
The Vital Role of Self-Compassion in Pain Recovery
In pain recovery, a critical element is practicing self-compassion. By treating oneself with kindness, understanding, and care, individuals can create significant change. Understanding that setbacks are part of the process and not dwelling on failures is essential. Approaching techniques and strategies with self-compassion rather than force or desperation allows for more effective progress. By focusing on the end goal of calming the nervous system, teaching the brain that sensations are safe, and embracing self-compassion, individuals can empower themselves and experience meaningful results in pain recovery.
Alan and Alon talk to Christie Uipi, Director of the Better Mind Center, who recently participated in a groundbreaking study on the treatment of chronic pain. Christie explains how they treated the patients in the study and what the results mean for the future of chronic pain. Christie also talks about her own struggles with chronic symptoms (knee pain, wrist pain, stomach issues) and how she overcame them. Alan, Alon, and Christie discuss the power of 'No' - a word that's difficult for many chronic pain sufferers. And finally, Christie reveals what she thinks is the single most important thing for overcoming pain.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
