According to Dr. Parth Lalcheta, Neurosurgeon, HCG Hospital, Rajkot, India, chronic pain is pain that recurs repeatedly and lasts for more than 3 months. Chronic pain can start from an acute pain and last longer than expected, often caused by multiple factors.
Patients with chronic pain can develop psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings that affect social functioning.
How does chronic pain affect the brain?
Structural changes: Chronic pain can lead to structural changes in the brain, especially in areas responsible for pain processing, emotion, and cognition. According to Dr. Lalcheta, people with chronic pain often show a decrease in gray matter in areas such as the prefrontal cortex, thalamus, and hippocampus. These changes can impair cognitive functions such as memory and emotional regulation.
Neurochemical changes: Chronic pain can affect the brain’s neurochemistry, specifically neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play an important role in regulating mood and pain perception. Chronic pain can lead to imbalances in these chemicals, contributing to mood disorders and making the brain more sensitive to pain.
Impact on the brain's reward system: Chronic pain can disrupt the brain's reward system, which is responsible for feelings of pleasure and motivation. This disruption often leads to a reduced ability to experience pleasure or satisfaction, contributing to a condition known as anhedonia.
Overactivity of the pain network: The brains of people with chronic pain often become overactive in processing pain signals, even when there is no obvious physical cause.
Pain relief and recovery strategies
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a psychological treatment that helps individuals change negative thoughts and behaviors related to chronic pain. By reframing the way pain is perceived and addressing emotional responses to pain, CBT can reduce pain intensity and improve coping mechanisms.
Physical activity and exercise: Regular physical activity is important for managing chronic pain. Exercise promotes the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and helps improve mood by increasing serotonin levels.
Neurostimulation Therapy: Techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) have shown promising results in managing chronic pain. They stimulate specific areas of the brain or spinal cord to modulate pain signals and reduce pain perception.
