Back In Control Radio

How do you break the cycle of pain behavior, criticism from your partner, and more pain? You have the choice whether to engage in pain behavior or not. At some level you must know that your partner is going to react negatively to it, but you do it anyway. When you feel the hostility and criticism from your partner, your pain increases. This is expected, since we know that stress chemicals increase the speed of nerve conduction, resulting in more pain. Since there is seemingly no end to the pain, the cycle can continue for a long time. In this podcast episode, spine surgeon Dr. David Hanscom explains how the cycle of pain affects family relationships and provides tips for what family members can do to break the cycle. For more information, go to http://www.backincontrol.com/the-chronic-pain-marriage-go-round/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you are trapped in pain you have a difficult time reaching out. Others do not necessarily want to interact with angry people. The problem becomes greatly magnified in that it has been shown that social rejection shares the same neurological circuits in the brain as chronic physical pain. In this episode, spine surgeon Dr. David Hanscom explores the issues of social isolation that often accompany chronic pain and discusses ways that the pain sufferer can reconnect with family and friends. For more information, go to: http://www.backincontrol.com/the-pain-of-social-isolation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pain pathways are permanent and part of the unconscious part of your brain. There is nothing you can do to “fix” them. Any attention paid to them simply reinforces them. That includes trying not to pay attention to them. For example, one strategy to avoid reinforcing pain pathways is not talking about your pain with others, especially family members. When someone has chronic pain, it can have a large, negative impact on other family members. In this episode, spine surgeon Dr. David Hanscom discusses various techniques for chronic pain sufferers and their families to reduce or eliminate these impacts. For more information, go to http://www.backincontrol.com/the-4-stages/stage-1-laying-the-foundation/dont-share-your-pain/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your unconscious brain processes 40 million bits of sensory input every second. Each sensation, sound, touch, taste, smell, vision has to be interpreted by your brain as pleasant, neutral or unpleasant. It continuously interprets the sum total of this input and directs your organs to secrete hormones that are relaxing and enjoyable, or signal danger. Anger occurs when you have lost control such as when you have chronic pain. Over time, the brain processes anxiety and pain in the same centers. In this episode, spine surgeon Dr. David Hanscom explains the neurophysiological basis of pain and shows that with the correct diagnosis and treatment approach, chronic pain and relentless anxiety curable with remarkably simple strategies. For more information, go to http://www.backincontrol.com/neurophysiological-basis-of-pain/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices