First human study to confirm chemical messenger brain changes in chronic pain
Date: 06th August 2021 | By: Dr Lourdes Gaspar
Chronic pain might impact how brain processes emotions | Mirage News
A fascinating article discussing a study into how the chemical imbalances occur in the brain of people with chronic pain.
This is a first because to date such studies have only been conducted in animal studies.
It states: “The results show that participants with chronic pain had significantly lower levels of GABA (a chemical messenger in the brain) than the control group – a pattern that was consistent regardless of their type of chronic pain.
“A decrease in GABA means that the brain cells can no longer communicate to each other properly,” says A/Prof. Gustin (chief researcher to the study from the University of New South Wales). When there’s a decrease in this neurotransmitter, our actions, emotions and thoughts get amplified.”
The article highlights the limits of analgesic or pain killer in chronic pain. A/Prof. Gustin and her team have recently developed an online emotional recovery program, specifically targeted at people with chronic pain, as a non-pharmaceutical option for treating the neurotransmitter disruption
In our view, the link between how chemical changes in chronic pain, link to the emotional response is intriguing.
Studies consistently show one of the most effective treatments for managing chronic pain the psychological approach known as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
This at the heart of our thinking at www.ActforPain.com
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