Chronic Pain: A Shift in Understanding

Chronic muscle pain and stiffness have long been thought to be a result of injury with general advice given to avoid the offending behaviour from causing further damage. But recent research is challenging this assumption. Instead, scientists are now suggesting that ongoing muscle pain is more likely a neurological protective mechanism.

What we now know

In their study, Stanton and Moseley (2017) found that pain is often a response from the brain attempting to protect the body. This is because the brain is constantly monitoring the body for threats, and when it detects a potential problem, it sends pain signals to the muscles to protect itself by means of tensing or guarding. It is important to understand that this pain is not necessarily a sign of damage.

What this means

This has significant implications for treatment. Traditionally, the focus has been on long periods of rest and reducing persistent pain through medication, or even surgery. But with this new perspective, it becomes clear that simply reducing pain symptoms is not enough. Instead, becoming aware of why this protective response is happening is essential to address the underlying cause(s) and developing a strategy to overcome it.

This shift in understanding means that, as practitioners, we have a wider range of tools to help our clients get back to an improved quality of life. Pain education, bodywork that incorporates a biopsychosocial approach, and rehabilitative exercises are some approaches that can help to reprogram the brain’s protective response, improve physical resilience, and overcome the experience of chronic pain.

What approaches have worked for you?

Everyone is different. If you’re someone who has overcome chronic pain I’d love to know what key things worked for you. And what knowledge bombs could you share with those still navigating their way through what is oftentimes frustrating, lonely, and bloody boring. Share in the comments below!