Celebrating Over 30 Years Serving the Tucson Community!
Last week we discussed the areas of the brain that are involved in how we process pain as they were identified on functional MRIs. Together they are known as the pain matrix: Primary somatosensory cortex Secondary somatosensory cortex Anterior cingulated cortex Insular cortex Prefrontal cortex Thalamus Not only are these different parts of the brain… Continue reading How We Can Impact the Pain Matrix
Pain is incredibly difficult to categorize. It’s meant to tell us when something is wrong. Yet, as described in multiple posts, it can persist long after the trauma or injury has passed. And our brains have impressive powers to modulate the perception of pain. It can exacerbate or minimize depending on what we are experiencing… Continue reading ASMR May Be An Option
Last week I discussed the role of the vagus nerve. It’s one of 12 cranial nerves in the body that help link the brain with the head, neck, torso, and the rest of the body. They originate in the brain and each has a different function that relates to sensation or movement. The vagus nerve… Continue reading 10 Ways to Activate Your Own Vagus Nerve
Chronic pain is an insidious disease that impacts all aspects of life- physically, emotionally and economically. More and more evidence suggests that inflammation in the peripheral and central nervous systems is the major factor in creating and perpetuating chronic pain states. After an injury, activation of glial and immune cells in the peripheral nervous system… Continue reading Improve Your Immune System and Lessen Pain
Opioids may seem like the panacea for all pain. Take a pill and it goes away. But time and so much heartache and loss from the opiod epidemic has proven that’s far from the truth. Just like they used to think laudanum was a cure-all before the devastating effects of morphine was finally discovered, opioids… Continue reading Pain Pills Aren’t the Answer