I am living proof that pain from an incurable illness (osteoarthritis from head to toe) can be eased by therapy. It is not only mental health work, but that is part of it. And it is not only desensitization, but includes physical work to alter some habits which increase pain. Finally, the pain is not necessarily cured, but managed in order to improve quality of life.

There are incurable, intractable pains which are not caused by Central Sensitization, such as some end stage cancers, severe infections, or postoperative pain. Opioids are then a logical choice.

But when chronic pain sets up residence in the body, all kinds of muscles tense, we alter our body mechanics, related nerves react, we tense further and hurt more...the vicious cycle is initiated.

Pain management or desensitization teaches us to break the cycle using physical (PT, stretching, exercise, massage, acupuncture...) mental (counselling, visualization, meditation, faith practices...) medical (meds, injections, braces, surgery) dietary and social strategies.

Do I still hurt? Yes. Does pain affect my life? Some days. Am I glad I learned about it? Yes, I wish it had been around 30 years ago to help my Mom!
Sue

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