written by Patty Pedersen and Robert Brienza
To date, in our past articles on pain management, we have defined what pain is and how we feel pain through our bodily processes. We will now get into one of the reasons that there is a variation among people and even the same person from one time to another regarding how they experience the intensity of pain, which brings us to part three of our series of articles, and that is inflammation and mental attitude (depression).
In the study of pain, another area which is becoming more understood, is the inflammatory response of the body. Inflammation is one of the body’s defenses that are naturally produced by the immune system. We also create it through means of physical (nutritional) and psychological (stress). From a nutritional standpoint, the food and beverages that we consume create either an acidic or an alkaline environment in our body. The PH of our body should be slightly alkaline. However, due to our nutritional habits and deficiencies our bodies tend to be acidic. Therefore, if your body is in a more acidic state than it is supposed to be, you are putting it in a condition where it will respond with greater discomfort, than, if it were at its normal, more alkaline pH level.
Steps that can improve or rid the body of inflammation:
• Eating a healthy diet is imperative in reducing inflammation in the body.
• Inflammation is a sign that the body is overly acidic and in order to cut down on that inflammation we must bring the body to a more alkaline state.
• Elimination of processed foods, acidic beverages, sugars and artificial sweeteners can help to reduce inflammation.
• Dehydration is another key factor in inflammation. The more dehydrated the body, the more acidic it becomes and in turn the inflammation increases.
• Reducing stress from your life will cut down on inflammation. Stress causes the body to become overly acidic, causing more inflammation.
All diseases and disorders of the body can be traced to either some type of deficiency, or to some type of outside interference. When the body and mind are working together, we find ourselves on the path of great health and well being. By providing the body with the raw materials it needs, the body can heal itself.
Steps to improve your health:
• Remove internal stress by eliminating friction between mind and body.
• Provide proper nutritional support.
• Provide proper exercise.
• Reduce intake of external stress.
• Reduce ingesting external toxins.
Another area that creates increased pain sensitivity is depression. Depression adds unwanted stress to the body and in turn the body becomes more acidic. Depression and pain are closely related as pain creates depression, and as we mentioned depression creates greater sensitivity to pain, and in turn creates more pain, which creates more depression. It’s a downward spiraling action. The Harvard Medical School has found that people with Chronic Pain have three times the risk of developing psychiatric symptoms which are usually mood or anxiety disorders. Depressed people also have three times the risk of developing chronic pain. Unlike Acute Pain which is short in duration and may make you feel sad or even angry at the pain; chronic pain which has no sign of hope, can lead to depression. It is also found the people who are somewhat depressed usually have more aches and pains, such as headaches and backaches.
Pain and depression share a common pathway into the emotional region of the back brain and has been researched that the chemical messengers that control pain also control mood. That is the reason why antidepressant medications have been used for pain. It is interesting to note that a study in 1992 showed that clinical or major depression is four times greater in people with chronic back pain than the general population. Yet, whether pain causes depression is still something that is being debated.
Our next article will be devoted to nutrition regarding pain management and weight reduction.
copyright Patricia Pedersen and Robert Brienza 2010
—————————————————————————————————————-
Patricia Pedersen is a Natural Healer, Certified Clinical Hypnotist, Certified Acupressurist, Nutrition Consultant and is completing her studies in Naturopathy. Patricia is a teacher, counselor, coach and a partner with you in your quest for health and wellness.
Robert Brienza is a Master Hypnotist, Mental Trainer, Certified Master NLP Instructor, Reiki Master Teacher and Certified Sports Enhancement Specialist. He has continued his course of study in Healing and Pain Management and is a Therapeutic Massage Therapist. Robert helps people to overcome fears, stop smoking, meet weight reduction goals, improve golf games and overcome addictions.
Patricia & Robert have been interviewed many times on NY Talk Radio, are presenters at Essex County College and travel extensively giving workshops on such subjects as Complementary Health, Stress Reduction, Pain Relief, Weight Reduction, Nutrition & Herbs, Past Life Regression, Sports Enhancement and Mental Training for Sales & Marketing.
To speak with Patricia or Robert you may call (201) 424-2234 or (908) 206-1497.
