In this blog, I explain some of the often hidden underlying sources of pain that may not be fully investigated or addressed through our standard health care system leaving 34% of the UK population suffering from chronic pain.
Pain is your body’s protection system very much like the warning light in your car letting you know that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. And just like a car’s warning light it should not be ignored.
We typically associate pain with physical injury or illness and go to the doctor for help. If no obvious cause for pain is observed from the tests carried out, then very likely we are given a prescription for pain killers and perhaps told to rest. It is unlikely that further attempts to determine the cause of the pain will be made, even if the pain persists. In effect we ignore our body's warning signals.
During my years of experience as a natural health practitioner I have helped many clients reduce their pain and return to doing the activities that they love to do. They had all been to their doctors, had been scanned and had blood tests but the underlying causes of their pain was not uncovered until we started looking at the secret sources of their pain. In this article, we'll delve into these lesser-known causes of pain and discover how powerful, non-invasive, holistic therapies can unlock its hidden underlying origins and provide tools to manage pain naturally.
Read to the end to learn a simple technique for providing yourself and others with first aid for pain.
Secret Sources of Pain
Food sensitivities
There are a number of natural food chemicals that can cause pain in the body. For example, histamine can trigger symptoms such as itching, abdominal pain, headaches and the swelling of joints. Oxalates and uric acid can also cause pain through the formation of crystals in our joints. Other common foods such as dairy and gluten cause inflammation and digestive and other types of pain and fatigue in some people.
Hormones
Hormones play a vital role in regulating bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, mood, and reproductive processes. Whilst their primary function isn't directly related to pain, hormonal imbalances can lead to discomfort and even chronic pain conditions. Thyroid dysfunction can result in migraines and pressure headaches, back pain and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone levels can trigger uterine contractions and inflammation, resulting in the cramping and abdominal discomfort or headaches experienced by many women during their monthly cycle. Similarly, hormonal changes during menopause can cause a range of symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, and joint pain. The decline in oestrogen levels can also affect the body's ability to regulate inflammation, leading to increased sensitivity to pain.
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that transmit signals between nerve cells in the brain and nervous system. They have a crucial function regulating mood, sleep, and pain perception. Imbalances in neuro-transmitter levels can disrupt these processes and contribute to the experience of pain. One neurotransmitter closely linked to pain perception is serotonin. It's involved in regulating mood and emotions, but it also plays a role in modulating pain signals in the brain. Low levels of serotonin have been associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia, a chronic pain disorder characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. Another neurotransmitter involved in pain modulation is dopamine. While primarily known for its role in pleasure and reward, dopamine also influences pain perception. Dysregulation of dopamine signalling has been implicated in conditions like chronic back pain and restless legs syndrome.
Vitamin D deficiency
Research has indicated a potential relationship between low vitamin D levels and increased musculoskeletal pain, including lower back pain and chronic widespread pain.
Dehydration
Most of us do not drink enough water to keep ourselves fully hydrated. Research has shown that dehydration is a predictor of pain sensitivity, and that dehydration brings about increased brain activity related to painful stimuli. Dehydration can also result in increased joint pain between adjoining bones as the cartilage that reduces friction between the bones is mainly composed of water. In addition, water flushes toxins out of the body which can reduce inflammation levels and therefore prevent or decrease joint pain. Furthermore, in some people headaches and migraines are less frequent and less severe if they maintain their hydration levels.
If you are suffering from pain why not try drinking more water and non-caffeinated drinks and see whether this has an impact on your pain levels?
Stress
Stress triggers the release of cortisol and chronic stress can lead to persistently elevated cortisol levels, which have been linked to increased pain sensitivity. Finding ways to reduce your stress levels is therefore a good idea if you suffer from chronic pain. Some less usual ways to consider lowering your stress levels are:
taking control of a stressful problem and finding a solution that suits you
challenging yourself to do something different like taking up a new hobby that absorbs you and takes your mind off the pain and stress in your life
helping other people by volunteering or community work or even trying to do a favour for someone every day. This gives you a feeling of purpose and self-worth and helps you connect with other people
celebrating 3 things that you have done well, no matter how small, every evening before going to bed.
Structural Issues
The atlas is the first bone in the spinal column. If it is misaligned it can cause neck, jaw and lower back pain or headaches. Jaw misalignment can be associated with headaches, tinnitus and earache as well as pain in the jaw.
Lack of movement or exercise
Sitting down for hours each day and leaning forward to work on a computer or use your phone often leads to headaches, neck, shoulder and lower back pain. Exercise is a powerful tool to manage the pain and improve your mobility and fitness. Movement also reduces the perception of pain and elevates mood and reduces stress. If serious health conditions have been ruled out by doctors, then there is no need to be afraid of moving and lots of benefits to take advantage of. Try experimenting with small movements first on days when pain is relatively low without putting any pressure on yourself. When sitting for long periods ensure that you take frequent breaks and get up and move or at least do some neck and shoulder stretches.
Natural Tools to uncover and manage the secret sources of your pain
After gathering information on your health history and current symptoms a kinesiologist can use muscle testing to ascertain which of the above factors are relevant to address and which techniques, lifestyle adjustments and supplements your body needs as building blocks to restore equilibrium. A kinesiology session is like having a warning light on in your car (pain signal), taking it to the garage and the mechanic running the full diagnostic and physical check. Whereas taking pain medication long term can be compared to the garage just taping over the warning light and sending you on your way. The problem is still there, you just cannot see (feel) it. There are of course circumstances in which pain medication is required but I feel that long term use, especially without fully understanding the source of the pain warrants additional investigation. For more information on kinesiology and pain management click here
Research shows that pain is often exacerbated by emotions such as frustration and fear and it is difficult to recover if you hold a belief such as “I will never be free from this pain”. The trauma of an accident or the way a diagnosis is delivered also impacts pain levels. Using Emotional Freedom Techniques a.k.a. EFT or tapping these emotions and beliefs can be gently released, often leading to a reduction in the perceived pain severity. My next newsletter will be focussing on this scientifically-researched tool that you can learn to use at home whenever you need it to reduce your stress, anxiety and pain. For more information on EFT tapping click here
First Aid for Pain Relief
I have used this technique hundreds of times on myself and others since I learnt it. I particularly remember an incident where my daughter at about the age of 7 bumped into a water pipe and cut and bruised her leg quite badly. She was crying badly with the pain and shock. A couple of minutes after I applied the technique she was up and running around again in no pain whatsoever. Another time I was helping my sister with baling hay and twisted my ankle on the uneven ground while carrying a bale. I thought that I would be out of action for the rest of the day as the pain was severe. After applying the First Aid technique for a few minutes and another couple of minutes of rest I was back into the field hefting bales and had no swelling or pain in the following days. As someone who has suffered with twisted ankles regularly in my life I was amazed. I have also used this procedure on other peoples’ minor sports injuries with the same effect. It is worth trying as it is so quick and easy. It is best used as soon as possible after an injury but can be used on any painful body part. In the case of a serious injury call 999 or a doctor - this technique should only be used for day to day bumps and injuries that do not require medical attention.
You can do First Aid for Pain Relief on yourself or for someone else. If you are doing it for someone else both hands are placed on the other person.
Put your left hand on the painful part
Put your right hand across the forehead ensuring that the hand covers both the bony protuberances towards the top of the forehead.
Keep this position for a few minutes.
Check in with yourself or the other person to see how they are feeling.
Hold for as long as you or they are feeling the benefit.
To find out more or get in touch
If you would like to explore natural methods for managing your pain, then I offer group pain management sessions, individual consultations and a pain management programme to fully explore the various potential contributing factors of your pain and a tailored package of recommendations and sessions to provide you with the relief that you deserve. Click here for more information on pain management and my services.
If you would like a free, no obligation chat about how I might be able to help you manage your pain rather than the pain managing you, please call me on 07923 293330. Consultations can either be in person or online.
I would also appreciate it if you could share this blog with anyone that you know suffering from pain and that you think might find it useful.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or concerns.
Comments