Persistent vs Acute Pain
Look at the pictures on pages 10 and 11 of the Neuroplastic Transformation workbook Notice that the areas of the brain where pain is experienced are exactly the same, but that the amount of brain “real estate” dedicated to perceiving pain is expanded with persistent pain. Use the graphics to visualize taking back brain real estate in pain perceiving areas for other functions such as decision making, pleasure, planning, problem solving, autobiographical and emotional memories, pleasant scents, soothing, empathy, other sensations, physical activity. See this animation of brain pain signals changing from acute to persistent, then to pain relief.
Remember that acute pain goes away. Expect your pain to go away.