Getting To The Root Of Pain

Getting to the Root of Pain, Posture, and Chronic Health Issues: A Holistic Approach

Pain is more than just a physical sensation. According to the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), pain is an "unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with or resembling that associated with actual or potential tissue damage" (Raja et al., 2020). At Auburn Chiropractic Health Clinic, we believe that to effectively manage pain and other chronic health issues, it's essential to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of the problem.

Chronic Pain and the Brain: A Complex Experience

Chronic pain is not just a lingering discomfort but a condition that involves the brain on multiple levels—sensory, emotional, and cognitive. There are three primary types of pain:

- Nociceptive pain: Occurs immediately after damage to body tissue.

- Neuropathic pain: Acts as a warning system for harm to the central nervous system.

- Bioplastic pain: Pain mapped onto the brain that persists even when no physical harm is present.

Bioplastic pain is a hallmark of chronic pain. This type of pain often lasts longer than three months and can persist without any ongoing tissue injury or pathology. Chronic pain sufferers are likely dealing with dysfunction in the brain's motivational and mesolimbic-prefrontal circuitry. Research has shown that chronic pain is highly comorbid with conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety, with estimates suggesting that around 30% of chronic pain patients also suffer from depression (Serafini, Pryce, Zachariou, 2020).

Chronic pain is also associated with increased activity in the amygdala, which controls our fear responses. This hyperactivity can result in exaggerated fear responses to pain and the development of fear-avoidance behaviors. Over time, this disrupts cellular and metabolic pathways, increasing the body's stress load and reducing its ability to maintain balance and homeostasis.

Chiropractic Care and the Modulation of Pain

Chiropractic care has been shown to positively affect the way the brain processes pain. Studies have found that chiropractic adjustments can modulate the pain experience by influencing brain pathways related to pain perception. This is why chiropractic care is an essential tool in managing chronic pain. At Auburn Chiropractic Health Clinic, we use chiropractic adjustments to address pain at its source while also promoting overall brain health and functionality.

A Whole-Person Approach to Health

Pain and dysfunction rarely exist in isolation. They are typically the result of multiple, interconnected factors—physical, emotional, and psychological. At Auburn Chiropractic Health Clinic, our approach is holistic, recognizing that long-term health and well-being require addressing the root causes of pain and dysfunction.

For example, postural rehabilitation is a crucial part of our treatment strategy. Poor posture can lead to chronic pain, restricted movement, and other health issues. By incorporating postural exercises like yoga, Pilates, and strength training, along with tools like wobble boards and orthotics, we help patients regain positional awareness and improve their body's alignment and function.

The Role of the Central Nervous System in Pain and Posture

The central nervous system (CNS) plays a vital role in maintaining postural stability and controlling pain. The brain constantly recalibrates sensory input from the proprioceptive, visual, vestibular, and cognitive systems to ensure proper postural control in both static and dynamic conditions. If the brain receives incorrect or limited sensory information, it can lead to poor posture, chronic pain, and decreased functionality.

At Auburn Chiropractic Health Clinic, we focus on ensuring the brain receives proper sensory input through chiropractic care, postural rehabilitation, and neurofeedback therapy in Auburn, AL. Neurofeedback helps retrain the brain, improving functional connectivity and enhancing its ability to manage pain, stress, and emotional states.

Trauma-Induced Inflammation and Systemic Health

Trauma, whether physical or emotional, can have widespread effects on the body, including the cardiovascular, immune, neurological, and digestive systems. Trauma-induced inflammation is a common cause of dysfunction across multiple body systems. For example, individuals with PTSD or obesity often experience other trauma-induced inflammatory comorbidities, leading to a cascade of health issues.

At Auburn Chiropractic Health Clinic, we help our patients reduce trauma-induced injuries and inflammation by promoting healthy lifestyle changes. By addressing trauma's impact on the body at a cellular level, we aim to decrease inflammatory biomarkers, improve overall health, and restore balance across the body’s systems.

The Importance of Myofascial Therapy

The fascia is a network of connective tissue that surrounds every structure in the body, providing support, stability, and communication between tissues and organs. Myofascial restrictions can lead to biomechanical dysfunction and postural imbalances, which in turn can contribute to chronic pain.

At Auburn Chiropractic Health Clinic, we incorporate myofascial therapy into our treatment plans to release these restrictions and restore proper movement and function. This holistic approach helps explain why patients report feeling healthier, with improved mood and decreased pain following chiropractic care.

The Kinetic Chain and Pain Management

A key concept in understanding pain and posture is the kinetic chain, which represents how different parts of the body work together as a system of interconnected segments. When one part of the chain is faulty, it can negatively affect the entire system, leading to pain and dysfunction.

At Auburn Chiropractic Health Clinic, we focus on the kinetic chain in our diagnosis and treatment plans. By addressing weak links in the chain—whether through chiropractic adjustments, postural rehabilitation, or functional medicine—we help patients regain healthy movement patterns and reduce chronic pain.

Taking Control of Your Health with Chiropractic Care and Neurofeedback in Auburn, AL

At Auburn Chiropractic Health Clinic, we specialize in getting to the root of pain, posture, and chronic health issues. Through a combination of chiropractic care, neurofeedback therapy, postural rehabilitation, and functional medicine, we offer a comprehensive approach to health. Our goal is to help patients achieve long-term relief from pain and improve their overall health and well-being.

If you're ready to take control of your health, contact Auburn Chiropractic Health Clinic today. Learn more about our holistic treatment options, including neurofeedback in Auburn, AL, and start your journey toward a healthier, pain-free life.

Visit our website at [AuburnChiro.com](https://auburnchiro.com) to schedule your consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve optimal health.