Chronic Pain shrinks the grey matter in your brain. Studies have shown this, but those who are in pain didn’t need science to prove it – you know it! It’s difficult to smile or laugh when you’re in pain, and as time goes on you can’t even think clearly. Today, I’ll talk about two things you can do to help rid yourself of that back or neck pain.
First, let’s look at our plastic brain and using Neuroplasticity to help reduce that pain.
Imagining activates the same neural pathways as the real experience!
This is something that sports psychologists have known and used for years. Allopathic medicine is now “getting the picture” and using visualization to help people reduce chronic pain as well. In fact, the reason that I began to study Neuroplasticity was to help my clients who are in pain.
So here’s a simple step that you can start today:
- Sit comfortably, but tall (not in a recliner), and close your eyes.
- Take three very deep breaths, slowing down your exhalations more with each breath
- Visualize your back (or neck, butt, knee, etc.) before you began having the pain. See yourself doing all the things that you could do easily back then, visualize your back in perfect health. See it lengthen easily, see yourself standing tall without effort, visualize your shoulders even and down where they belong. Continue deep breathing as you visualize yourself in perfect health.
Keep this going for at least five minutes, each day, for 30 days.
Your brain processes through images, so keeping these healthy images in your mind each day for 30 days will cause the brain to believe that you ARE healthy. Then, your exercises, relaxation techniques, and the other methods you are using to bring health back to your body will have a more powerful effect.
Secondly, I’ll like to share an exercise with you that helps take the tension out of your entire back and shoulder area, while strengthening the lower back at the same time – you know how I love multitasking!
Remember to relax your back for at least five minutes each day too – this is vitally important for back health!
Best of Health,
Kathi
