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Is complex regional pain syndrome a psycho-somatic problem? This is going to sound weird, but I notice my symptoms are much better when my husband is gone for a week or when I'm on vacation alone. I'm kind of surprised by that because we get along fine, and I think I'm a pretty balanced person overall.
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Much has changed in the last 10 to 20 years in the way we think, perceive, and understand chronic pain problems like complex regional pain syndrome. Whereas 20 years ago, the psychosomatic label would have led us to think, Oh, that's all in your head (brain), we now understand your brain is in your body. What does that mean?
Every thought, every emotion, and every stress or conflict you experience is recorded and analyzed by the brain-body complex via chemical messengers called neuropeptides. These chemicals are formed in the brain but circulate throughout the entire body. They deliver messages to every cell in your body informing the body what's going on and how to be prepared for stressful situations.
In the case of complex regional syndrome, there is some evidence to suggest that the portion of our brains/nervous system that handles stress (called the parasympathetic nervous system) is disrupted and no longer functions properly.
Without a balance between the sympathetic system (the get up and go portion of the nervous system) and the parasympathetic system (the rest and digest half), patients end up in a constant state of pain and abnormal sensation, temperature, and circulation to the affected body part. It's only when all stresses are removed that your calming nervous system can override the broken (stuck) sympathetic nervous system.
So a couple weeks on the beach or alone without responsibilities for the care of others can result in significant improvements in symptoms. But once you return to the daily ups and downs of life, the sympathetic nervous system kicks back in and your symptoms can flare.
There are ways to deal with this problem. Relaxation techniques including breathing, yoga, hypnosis, and biofeedback have been found helpful by many people. Physiologic Quieting®, a technique that balances the sympathetic with the parasympathetic nervous system has been developed by a physical therapist for problems like this. Physical therapists are trained in this approach and can get you started on a short program you can do at home to help yourself.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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