Site logo

Neuroplastix


Change the Brain; Relieve the Pain; Transform the Person

The Three Rules of Neuroplasticity
(Workbook Page 5)


Where persistent pain is concerned it is important to remember the three rules of neuroplasticity, because not only is pain something that is learned, but that learning requires those rules. Review them on page 5 of the Neuroplastic Transformation workbook. Although it is hard to believe that we can use such simple approaches to change something so profound and life-altering as persistent pain, it is a fact. Remembering to use the very intrusion of pain into conscious thought, emotional awareness or physical limitation to counter-stimulate the brain is the key to.restoring the appropriate role of pain



In acute pain, an injury sends a pain signal from the tissue to the back part of the spinal cord, where the signal crosses to the other side of the spinal cord and travels up long nerve tracks to the brain. Here it goes to 16 different areas. Pain is only perceived when it reaches the upper part of the brain (Amydala, Insula, Prefrontal Cortex, Anterior Cingulate Cortex, Posterior Cingulate Cortex, Posterior Parietal Cortex, Secondary Somatosensory Cortex, Primary Somatosensory Cortex and Supplementary Motor Area). Acute pain tells us when we have exceeded a physical and/or emotional limit, directing us to stop doing whatever is causing this problem. Once that problem is addressed, the brain sends a signal to the back part of the spinal cord and intercepts and stops the incoming pain signal from the injury.

Pain is actually the most important sensation in our body. Pain keeps us alive by telling us when we have exceeded our limits. It is precisely because it is not there all of the time that pain is so helpful and useful. Unfortunately, when pain persists it loses its ability to warn us of danger, and all we are left with is the unpleasantness and the fear and anxiety that accompanies it.

© 2015 Michael Moskowitz, Marla Golden Contact