Chronic Back Pain and the Mind-Body Connection

Hello friends,

I rarely discuss this topic because it's complex and requires a nuanced approach. However, I saw an article this week on the topic and I wanted to share my experience

In 2020, I began experiencing severe shoulder and back pain.

I initially tried various remedies - stretches, balms, and muscle relief creams. These provided temporary relief, but they didn't work long term.

This experience led me to study more on what was going on in my body. Today, my understanding of pain has evolved significantly. And the key insight I gained is that pain isn't always solely physical.

Stress, emotions, and other non-physical factors can play a crucial role in our pain experience.

(And this is the part that always needs nuance)

This week in building health 👇

When is pain more than just pain?

Let’s be clear: I’m not saying that pain is “all in your head”

The pain is real, but addressing it requires a comprehensive approach.

We need to consider our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Navigating the mind-body connection is a delicate balancing act. It involves being aware of our physical symptoms while also considering our stress levels, emotional state, and lifestyle. This approach has transformed my pain management journey.

Why the language you use matters

The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges, with the pandemic causing widespread stress.

During this time, my back pain emerged, adding difficulty to an already difficult situation.

Initially, I relied on teleconsults due to limited in-person visits. However, these remote sessions offered limited assistance.

Six months later, I managed to see a doctor in person. We conducted various tests and scans to identify the root cause of my persistent pain.

To my surprise and frustration, the results showed no structural issues.

Despite the absence of physical evidence, the pain remained real and debilitating. The doctor's response was far from comforting: "You're just going to have to live with this now."

This statement left me feeling helpless and unsupported, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to understanding and treating pain.

Why am I sharing this story with you?

There's evidence suggesting that pain often results from physical and emotional factors.

A pivotal resource in my journey was John Sarno's book "Healing Back Pain," which highlighted the mind-body connection.

Initially, I focused on quick solutions, applying physical remedies without addressing the underlying issues. However, I realized I wasn't doing the necessary emotional and spiritual work to uncover the root causes of my pain.

This revelation was transformative.

I began to understand the mind-body connection. Years of stress, anxiety, and frustration manifested physically in my body, creating a cycle of pain and tension.

This realization marked a turning point in my pain management approach. It underscored the importance of addressing both physical and emotional aspects for true healing and long-term relief.

How to Balance Mind and Body

It's crucial to approach pain with a balanced perspective. I'm cautious not to oversimplify by suggesting it's "all in your mind."

That's far from the truth.

The pain you experience is real and tangible. You feel it in your body, and its impact on your daily life is significant.

It's important to recognize the role our minds play in our perception and experience of pain. The mind-body connection is intricate and powerful. Our thoughts, emotions, and stress levels influence how we perceive and respond to physical sensations, including pain.

This doesn't diminish your pain; it opens up additional avenues for managing it.

By acknowledging both the physical and mental aspects of pain, we can develop more comprehensive strategies for relief. This approach considers not just the physical symptoms, but also the emotional and psychological factors contributing to your pain.

→ Read the article that inspired me to share here

My favorite health things for the week

// one

The importance of laughter

22 minutes | Beth Daley

Who doesn’t love a good laugh?

This essay provides insight into the science behind laughter, its origins, and its profound impact on our well-being.

Not only does it delves into the neurological processes behind laughter, but also its evolution and how it's not just limited to humans.

Most intriguing is the evidence suggesting laughter can act as a form of therapy, reducing stress and even slightly aiding in weight loss.

→ Read more on this here

// two

How the buildings you occupy might be affecting your brain

17 minutes | Cleo Valentine

Have you ever heard of neuroarchitecture?

It’s a new field which studies how different architectural features impact our mental and physical wellbeing.

From high ceilings and natural light to the use of biophilic design elements, this article explores how our environments can either reduce stress or contribute to it.

→ Read More About it Here

// three

Desk Ergonomics: How to Sit Properly

6 minutes | Yiannis Christoulas

I just gave a one hour webinar on ergonomics yesterday, and I feel like this video sums up what I was talking about succinctly.

Until next time

Have a Healthy Weekend