an effective treatment plan for pain management
How Does Neurofeedback Help with Pain Management?
There is a growing body of evidence that chronic pain responds to both biofeedback and neurofeedback. Clinical data suggest that they can help with chronic pain conditions such as migraines, fibromyalgia, post-operative pain, and cancer pain. Neurotherapy or brain training can help with pain through several mechanisms:
- Alter brainwaves in some of the areas of the brain involved in pain processing or pain perception
- Work on the frontal cortex to regulate the emotional component of pain
- Modify the connectivity between brain regions to induce changes in the functional organization of the brain
Why do we feel pain?
How pain works is a complex and interesting process. We used to think that pain is a signal that something is wrong or malfunctioning in the body. While it is true that our sensations are usually protective, so many factors can affect our sensations of pain.
Sometimes psychological factors like anxiety and depression influence pain perception. Sometimes the signaling itself is the problem. Still, so many people suffer from pain that lasts for weeks, months, or years without an obvious explanation. The truth is: all pain sensations are created by the brain. And it only makes sense to address problems in brain functioning if we want to treat pain.
Can medications help?
Acute pain like headaches or light sprains are often treated with analgesics or pain reliever medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A pain specialist may also prescribe opioids or other strong painkillers for severe pain. While medications can be helpful, long term use of NSAIDs is linked to gastrointestinal and kidney toxicities. Opioids, as we all know, are highly addictive.
Live a pain-free life once again
If you are suffering from chronic pain and nothing seems to help, you might need to try a different approach. Is there hope for patients with long-term pain? The answer, of course, is yes. Chronic pain can be treated using a drugless, non-invasive, and non-surgical technique called neurofeedback—an advanced form of biofeedback that trains people to self-regulate brain functions.
I can’t find a center for pain management near me
If you can’t find a pain specialist near you, Synapse Chicago offers remote sessions for a number of services including psychotherapy and neurofeedback. We will perform a brain map first, and then guide you in performing the whole process at home. Book a consultation with one of our clinicians to discuss your options so that you can start living pain-free.
Synapse Chicago is here for you
manage your pain with neurofeedback