4 Chronic Pain Concepts

Written By Brandon Steele

I want to thank Dr. Jeff Williams, DC, FIANM, DABFP for his contribution to our profession, his podcast Chiropractic Forward, and his recently published book, The Remarkable Truth About Chiropractic: A Unique Journey Into The Research. I was fortunate to sit down with Dr. Williams to discuss his recent blog post on chronic pain. These were my four most significant takeaways from the Q&A.

1. The brain decides whether something hurts; however, experience and emotion may alter this decision-making process by altering tissue sensitivity.

2. Words matter. Telling patients “their pain is only in their head” may worsen their prognosis.

3. When a chronic pain sufferer undergoes successful surgery, the patient will STILL experience chronic pain at that site in 60% of cases.

4. Patients with chronic pain must remember the difference between hurt and harm. If a patient perceives an exercise or activity as harmful, it should be modified, not avoided. 

 
 

Click here to read Dr. Williams’ blog in its entirety.

Click here to download ChiroUp’s chronic pain patient infographic.

Brandon Steele

Dr. Steele is currently in private practice at Premier Rehab in the greater St. Louis area. He began his career with a post-graduate residency at The Central Institute for Human Performance. During this unique opportunity, he was able to create and implement rehabilitation programs for members of the St. Louis Cardinals, Rams, and Blues. Dr. Steele currently lectures extensively on evidence-based treatment of musculoskeletal disorders for the University of Bridgeport’s diplomate in orthopedics program. He serves on the executive board of the Illinois Chiropractic Society. He is also a Diplomate and Fellow of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists (FACO).

Previous

Prevent Plantar Fasciitis with These Latest Exercises
Next

Plantar Fasciitis: Two Ways to Strengthen the Foot