Emotions & pain



Emotions & Pain

  • Fear is a very big negative motivator in increasing pain. It is a good idea to make a personal list of coping statements that will enable you to reduce your fear by relaxing your muscles and consequently your pain.

    Being angry is a natural by-product of having chronic pain.

  • Anger also stimulates increased activity in the pain pathways
  • Negative thoughts can increase pain & anxiety


The Gate Theory

  • The pain gate theory was discovered in 1965 by Dr’s Melzack & Walls, it works on the theory that nerve gates in the spinal cord, open to allow pain through or close to block it’s passage.
  • Tens machines, acupuncture,
    deep muscle massage &
    many alternative treatments
    may be able to block the
    pain gates.