Show Notes
In this enlightening episode, Kim sits down with chronic pain expert Dr. Andrea Moore, to delve into the multifaceted world of chronic pain.
They discuss what defines chronic pain, why pain is essential as a protective mechanism, and the intriguing connection between chronic pain and the nervous system.
Dr. Andrea sheds light on the complexities of acute vs. chronic pain and explains how emotional stress and even generational trauma can contribute to chronic pain.
The conversation also touches on the relationship between exercise and pain, especially for those who have used exercise as punishment in the past.
Dr. Andrea shares her unique Whole Self Integration Method, a four-step process to align with the nervous system and navigate chronic pain.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain yourself, working in healthcare, or simply curious about this complex subject, this episode offers valuable insights and practical strategies.
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About our Guest
Andrea Moore is a mom, wife and recovering health perfectionist.
Her career path has been based on trying to fix everything wrong with her: from chronic pain & post-concussive syndrome to anxiety & ADHD. While she refused to accept this as her norm, trying to implement what she thought was necessary to alleviate her symptoms felt exhausting, restricting & impossible.
Along her 15+ year journey, she became a Doctor of Physical Therapy, an Orthopedic Certified Specialist, Functional Nutritional Therapist, Life Coach and patriarchy & perfectionism smasher.
Through years of education, self healing & working with 100s of women, she learned that it is always about coming back to yourself in order to live the life of your dreams. So she now guides other women who are suffering from chronic pain back to their bodies & living in a way that is aligned with the truest version of themselves.
About the Host
Kim Hagle (she/her) is Certified Personal Trainer, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Body Image Coach and founder of Radiant Vitality Wellness.
Through mindset and movement coaching she helps women heal their relationship with food and exercise while disconnecting their worth from their weight, so they can feel healthy, happy and confident in the body they have.
Want to feel good in your body without focusing on weight? Register for our 5 day mini training course. “How to Feel Great IN and ABOUT Your Body; no matter what the scale says”. For just $27, you’ll receive one short video and worksheet each day for 5 days that will help get started with the non-diet approach and feeling better in and about your body.
Ready to take the next step? Visit our website to learn more about our coaching programs
Let’s stay in touch! Kim is on Instagram and Facebook @radiantvitalitywellness.
Disclaimer. The information contained in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a health care professional about your unique needs.
Summary
Understanding Chronic Pain: A Conversation with Andrea
Chronic pain is a complex and often misunderstood phenomenon. In a recent podcast episode, Kim sat down with Dr.Andrea Moore, a chronic pain expert, to discuss the definition, causes, and connections between chronic pain and the nervous system. Here’s an in-depth look at their conversation.
Defining Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a term that can be defined in various ways, but Dr. Andrea Moore explains it as:
- Duration: Pain that lasts more than three to six months.
- Location: It can be isolated to a specific body part or systemic, affecting multiple areas.
- Transient: Chronic pain might move around the body, leading to a chasing of symptoms.
The Importance of Pain
Pain is not just a discomfort; it’s a crucial protective mechanism. Andrea highlights the protective role of pain.
Pain alerts us to potential dangers, like stepping on a rusty nail or touching a hot stove.
The brain interprets danger signals and decides whether to send a pain message. It’s a top-down driven mechanism.
However, she cautions us not to fall into this common misunderstanding. Though pain is always driven by the brain, and it’s incorrect to say that pain is “all in your head.”
Acute vs. Chronic Pain
There is a major difference between acute and chronic pain:
- Acute Pain: This is a response to immediate threats, like an injury or burn.
- Chronic Pain: Chronic pain can be more complex, with no apparent reason or lingering after an injury has healed.
The Nervous System Connection
The nervous system plays a significant role in chronic pain:
- Hypersensitivity: In 25% of people, the nervous system remains hypersensitive after an injury, leading to chronic pain.
- Emotional Stress: Chronic pain can also be triggered by emotional stress or threats, such as a hostile work environment or generational trauma.
Exercise and Pain
Many people experience pain when trying to exercise, especially if they have a history of using exercise as punishment. Andrea explains how there could be an emotional connection wherein the nervous system may be looking to release stored emotions or lingering stories.
This is why more than mindset work is needed to liberate from pain. Working only on the thought level isn’t enough; the nervous system must also be addressed.
Working with the Nervous System
Andrea’s method, the Whole Self Integration Method, is a four-step process to align with the nervous system:
- Desire for Difference: Ensure that the desire to change aligns with personal values, not external pressures.
- Meet Yourself Where You Are: Acknowledge the influence of societal beliefs and personal history.
- Introspective Inventory: Explore what the nervous system is holding onto and understand its fears. Treat it like a child afraid of monsters under the bed, working to show it safety.
- Aligned Action: Take actions that help the nervous system see safety, such as trying new movement patterns or exercises.
Conclusion
Chronic pain is a multifaceted issue that requires a deep understanding of the nervous system and its connection to our emotions, beliefs, and experiences.
By recognizing the importance of pain, distinguishing between acute and chronic pain, and working with the nervous system, individuals can begin to navigate the complex world of chronic pain.
Whether you’re a healthcare professional, someone living with chronic pain, or simply curious about this subject, this conversation between Kim and Dr. Andrea Moore offers valuable insights and practical strategies for understanding and addressing chronic pain.
