Pain is a very personal thing. It doesn't have a shape. It can't be weighed. It can't be shown to anyone, And it will not show up in a picture. This is one of the reasons why pain is so frustrating. You can tell your doctor about it, but despite all the x-rays and other tests which might be done, it will never show up.

The reason for this is that in actuality, "pain" isn't really in your body any more than "sour" is in a lemon. The experience which is called "sour" requires both the lemon and your tongue. Otherwise, you can slice the lemon all you wish and subject it to all sorts of chemical analyses and you'll still never find the "sour."

"Pain," like the taste called "sour," is an experience which requires a simultaneous interaction between your body and your mind. If you have had an injury or an illness of some sort the physical condition alone will not produce "pain." First, it must be combined with your own mental and emotional activity, similar to the manner in which "sour" is produced by touching the lemon to your tongue.

This is not to say that your pain is not real. Neither is this intended to mean that it is "all in your head" Instead, it means that in order to do something about pain it must first be understood as a mind/body phenomenon.

The Pain Management Program at Health Psychology and Medicine recognizes that successful treatment of pain must include attention to both physical and mental factors. This is why your program of pain management will include treatments in which various types of methods and techniques will be employed. At the same time you might be receiving physical therapy and exercise, you might also be engaging in educational programs, counseling, biofeedback training and self-hypnosis. Nutritional improvements might also be suggested. All of this can be taking place while continuing to receive medical care from a physician.

A mind/body approach such as the one used in our clinic has been repeatedly shown to be the most successful way to treat pain. At every step of the way you will be a very active participant in your program. The most important ingredient in a successful outcome will therefore be your determination and cooperation. Generally speaking, if you expect to get better you probably will. Modern science has developed some powerful tools to help you, but the most powerful element of all is your own mind and your natural capacity to heal.