Pain is a very personal
thing. It doesn't have a shape. It can't be weighed. It can't
be shown to anyone, And it will not show up in a picture. This
is one of the reasons why pain is so frustrating. You can tell
your doctor about it, but despite all the x-rays and other tests
which might be done, it will never show up.
The reason for this is that in actuality,
"pain" isn't really in your body any more than "sour"
is in a lemon. The experience which is called "sour"
requires both the lemon and your tongue. Otherwise, you can slice
the lemon all you wish and subject it to all sorts of chemical
analyses and you'll still never find the "sour."
"Pain, " like the taste
called "sour, " is an experience which requires a simultaneous
interaction between your body and your mind. If you have had an
injury or an illness of some sort the physical condition alone
will not produce "pain." First, it must be combined
with your own mental and emotional activity, similar to the manner
in which "sour" is produced by touching the lemon to
your tongue.
This is not to say that your pain
is not real. Neither is this intended to mean that it is "all
in your head" Instead, it means that in order to do something
about pain it must first be understood as a mind/body phenomenon.
The Pain Management Program at Health
Psychology and Medicine recognizes that successful treatment of
pain must include attention to both physical and mental factors.
This is why your program of pain management will include treatments
in which various types of methods and techniques will be employed.
At the same time you might be receiving physical therapy and exercise,
you might also be engaging in educational programs, counseling,
biofeedback training and self-hypnosis. Nutritional improvements
might also be suggested. All of this can be taking place while
continuing to receive medical care from a physician.
A mind/body approach such as the
one used in our clinic has been repeatedly shown to be the most
successful way to treat pain. At every step of the way you will
be a very active participant in your program. The most important
ingredient in a successful outcome will therefore be your determination
and cooperation. Generally speaking, if you expect to get better
you probably will. Modern science has developed some powerful
tools to help you, but the most powerful element of all is your
own mind and your natural capacity to heal.
Source: http://www.hp-add.com/painmgt.htm
