Chronic Pain 1

As a therapist I deal daily with people who suffer chronic pain; whether arthritis, fibromyalgia, or old injuries. A common accompaniment to chronic pain is depression, therefore making a vicious cycle.

In this piece I would like to shed some light on how the body interprets this pain and some possible solutions.

Our bodies are mysterious, complicated machines. Pain is a sensation translated from an amino acid polypeptide called Substance P. Pain is a warning sign that the body uses to help us heal. First , pain is the best course of action it can use to force us to "baby" an area so that it is at rest and not over used while it is repairing itself. In order to keep the body in a state of checks and balances different chemical signatures are used. Our bodies produce chemical reactors called endorphins..the body's natural pain killer. A second "purpose" if you will for pain is a trigger for the body to produce these natural pain killers.

The body has "levels" of endorphins. Beta endorphins are actually 18 - 50 times stronger than the drug morphine. Dynorphin can be up to 500 times stronger.

However as with all checks and balances the body also produces chemicals that are " endorphin eaters". The whole purpose of endorphin eaters is to keep the body from being overwhelmed by endorphins and in a full functioning state.

Serotonin is a well known "feel good" chemical in the body. But did you know that serotonin helps regulate the body's sleep-wake cycles, is responsible for fine motor control, moods, cravings and when levels are low studies show that levels of substance P are higher. Low serotonin levels have been associated with pain in many disorders such as Epstein Barr Syndrome ( chronic fatigue) , Fibromyalgia, and arthritis.

When the body is in chronic pain, endorphin and serotonin levels are low. Many carpal tunnel, fibromyalgia, lupus, and arthritis patients have found that regular massage helps to decrease the pain levels and decreases the tendancy towards depression.

The Good News!
Now the good news. Regular massage( 1 hour sessions at least twice a month) helps to encourage the body to increase output of beneficial substances such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine and decrease the production of cortisol, adrenaline and "endorphin eaters". Thereby lowering the anxiety, and pain issues. Helping to regulate sleep-wake cycles..think good night's rest! It assists in the regulation of circulation in all the bodily systems ( lymph, circulatory, endocrine) And overall encourages the body facilitate a healthier state.

Studies being done since the 70's also indicate tha a natural amino acid called DL Phenylalanine ( DLPA) helps to protect the endorphins the body makes naturally. DLPA is found in fish, chicken, eggs & other foods. It can also be purchased in pill form at any health food store) .

In some studies arthritis suffers have found DLPA helps relieve their pain for 4 or 5 days vs. 3 - 4 hours as many of the prescribed medicines they were taking.

DLPA should not be used by pregnant or breast feeding mothers. Anyone with PKU ( phenylketonuria ) or on a phenylalanine restricted diet should also avoid DLPA. As with any supplement check with your doctor or naturalist before taking.

Learn more about this author, Beth Howells-Murphy.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

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