When we have persistent (or chronic) pain, over time our tolerance level (threshold) for pain can be lowered.
Activities that never bothered you before, or things like sleeping in an odd position, may alert an overly sensitive nervous system to a possible threat, thus cranking up the pain dial.
That long walk or a cricked neck is likely not any more of an issue than it used to be, it’s just that your pain threshold or tolerance level has been lowered.
You likely feel that response to pain quicker, more intensely, and longer.
This is not likely due to your body being weak, wrong, or broken.
It’s likely due to nervous system hyper-sensitivity - your body's alarm system’s settings are on high alert. So stimulus that might have other wise not been a bother, becomes a quite bother.
Understanding Pain Article Series
Understanding Persistent Pain: 3 Major Influencers
Understanding Persistent Pain: The Hair-Trigger Alarm
Understanding Persistent Pain: Yes It's All In Your Head. Everything Is.
Understanding Persistent Pain: Lowered Thresholds
Understanding Persistent Pain: It's Like Four Flat Tires
Understanding Persistent Pain: What About "Pain Is Gain?"
Understanding Persistent Pain: Mindfulness Understanding Persistent Pain: It's An Experience, Not a Signal
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Understanding Persistent Pain eBook
The nervous system is constantly evaluating a variety of cues and information that when combined create a pain experience. It's a complex process involving many parts of the mind and body. This guide will provide readers with a better understanding of persistent pain along with tools to reduce or manage it. learn more...
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