Healing the Pain No One Can Explain

Chronic Pain

4 Alternative Treatments for Chronic Pain

Shana Johnson M.D. on May 3, 2024

Chronic pain often involves nociplastic pain. I call it the “spreading pain” because it causes the discomfort to extend beyond the area of injury.

Chronic pain often involves nociplastic pain. I call it the “spreading pain” because it causes the discomfort to extend beyond the area of injury.

Chronic Pain

3 Ugly Truths About Back Surgery

Shana Johnson M.D. on March 20, 2024

Even in properly selected patients, almost 40 percent of people report chronic pain and moderate disability in daily activities five years after surgery.

Even in properly selected patients, almost 40 percent of people report chronic pain and moderate disability in daily activities five years after surgery.

Chronic Pain

Pain Provider Red Flags

Shana Johnson M.D. on February 27, 2024

The wrong pain provider can result in unnecessary, counterproductive torment. Here are four provider types to avoid.

The wrong pain provider can result in unnecessary, counterproductive torment. Here are four provider types to avoid.

Mindfulness

How Mindfulness Practice Reduces Pain

Shana Johnson M.D. on February 6, 2024

Mindfulness reduces the connection between the brain areas that process pain and generate self-awareness.

Mindfulness reduces the connection between the brain areas that process pain and generate self-awareness.

Chronic Pain

4 Things People With Chronic Back Pain Need You to Know

Shana Johnson M.D. on January 17, 2024

It can take years to find a medical provider who understands their chronic back pain, listens to them, and believes them. 

It can take years to find a medical provider who understands their chronic back pain, listens to them, and believes them. 

Chronic Pain

How to Check if Nerve Sensitization Is a Factor in Your Pain

Shana Johnson M.D. on December 27, 2023

Nerve sensitization often contributes to chronic pain states, such as back pain, migraines, and irritable bowel. The central sensitization inventory (CSI) checks for it.

Nerve sensitization often contributes to chronic pain states, such as back pain, migraines, and irritable bowel. The central sensitization inventory (CSI) checks for it.

Chronic Pain

Back Pain Can Arise From an Injury, Sensitization, or Both

Shana Johnson M.D. on December 11, 2023

Learn about the different sources of back pain.

Learn about the different sources of back pain.

Chronic Pain

Chronic Back Pain May Arise From Nociplastic Pain

Shana Johnson M.D. on November 27, 2023

If you have chronic back pain and are not responding to standard therapies, abnormal pain processing from nociplastic pain should be considered as a source.

If you have chronic back pain and are not responding to standard therapies, abnormal pain processing from nociplastic pain should be considered as a source.

Stress

How a Confused Nervous System and Stress Create Pain

Shana Johnson M.D. on November 7, 2023

Chronic migraines, back pain, and irritable bowel syndrome are types of central sensitization syndromes (CSS). CSS affects upwards of 30 million adults in the United States.

Chronic migraines, back pain, and irritable bowel syndrome are types of central sensitization syndromes (CSS). CSS affects upwards of 30 million adults in the United States.

Child Development

How Past Abuse Affects Pain Today

Shana Johnson M.D. on October 26, 2023

Childhood abuse can play a significant role in the development of pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia, headaches, IBS, and interstitial cystitis.

Childhood abuse can play a significant role in the development of pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia, headaches, IBS, and interstitial cystitis.

Chronic Pain

How Rogue Nerves Lead to Migraines, Back Pain, and IBS

Shana Johnson M.D. on October 9, 2023

What do migraines, back pain, and IBS pain have in common? These seemingly unrelated conditions share a common underlying problem—sensitization of the nervous system. 

What do migraines, back pain, and IBS pain have in common? These seemingly unrelated conditions share a common underlying problem—sensitization of the nervous system. 

Chronic Pain

How Tattletale Nerves Cause Chronic Pain

Shana Johnson M.D. on September 29, 2023

Central sensitization is the common culprit underlying chronic headaches, back pain, and irritable bowel syndrome because it changes how one experiences pain.

Central sensitization is the common culprit underlying chronic headaches, back pain, and irritable bowel syndrome because it changes how one experiences pain.