Help heel yourself:
Breaking the Cycle of Suffering
Imagine waking up almost every morning with back, headaches and neck pain. It’s not the kind of pain that goes away with a quick stretch or a warm bath. This pain lingers, day after day, refusing to ease. Every task is now exhausting. Over time, the pain doesn’t just stay in your body—it invades your mind, your emotions, and your relationships. Chronic pain is classified as having significant pain that last at least 3 months. It is more than just a physical problem. It’s a complex condition that intertwines with your emotional and mental health, creating a cycle of suffering that feels nearly impossible to escape.
For millions of people, this is an everyday reality. In the United States alone, around 20.4% of adults live with chronic pain, with women and older adults being disproportionately affected. Back, headaches and neck pain can prevent you from doing past joyous activities or only do them, but aggravate the pain. What often goes unnoticed in these stories of pain is the heavy emotional toll it takes.
You see, chronic pain is rarely just physical. It wears you down emotionally leading to anxiety, unhappiness, sleep disorders and depression. It’s common to hear someone say they feel like a different person after living with pain for months or years. The frustration of failed treatments—visits to the doctor, rounds of physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, medications, injections and surgeries, and more— can make you feel helpless. It’s easy to start believing and knowing that the pain is controlling your life.
Dr. Pasahow has suffered with back, neck injuries and headaches for over 50 years.This has been instrumental in the development of a specialized approach that makes a profound difference. Unlike general psychological interventions, Dr. Pasahow's treatment for chronic pain is tailored specifically for back and neck injuries and headaches. Dr. Pasahow brings a unique perspective and a deep understanding of what it truly means to live with chronic pain. His first-hand knowledge enables him to offer strategies that genuinely address the complexities of chronic pain, allowing those he helps to experience significant relief and regain control over their lives.
The Emotional and Psychological Weight of Pain
Living with constant pain means that your body is always in a state of alert. This creates stress that spills over into your emotions. At first, you might find yourself snapping at loved ones or feeling anxious about everyday tasks. But over time, these short-term frustrations can evolve into long-term mental health problems. Depression becomes a frequent companion to chronic pain, with studies showing that between 30% and 45% of people with chronic pain.
Think about the toll that constant discomfort can take on your sense of self. The activities that used to make you feel alive—playing with your kids, going for a run, even cooking dinner—become challenges that leave you feeling drained. This shift in capability can leave you feeling isolated and disconnected from the people around you. Social withdrawal becomes common, and as relationships suffer, the emotional isolation deepens.
But perhaps the most painful aspect is the feeling of being trapped. Chronic pain can make you feel as though your body is betraying you, locking you into a cycle where emotional distress only amplifies the physical pain, and vice versa. As the stress piles on, so does the intensity of the pain, creating a loop that feels impossible to break.
The Role of Lifestyle Changes—And Their Limitations
For many, the first step in managing chronic pain is through lifestyle changes. Gentle physical activity like walking or swimming can help release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. A balanced diet and adequate sleep are critical for managing inflammation, another factor that can exacerbate physical discomfort.
But while these strategies are helpful, they are often not enough. Pain flare-ups can make it difficult to stick to routines, and lack of motivation—a symptom of both depression and chronic pain—can prevent you from taking the steps you know might help. While lifestyle changes are essential, they are not a cure. In fact, focusing solely on lifestyle can often leave people feeling frustrated when results are slow to come or don't bring the relief they had hoped for.
This is why it’s crucial to acknowledge the psychological dimension of chronic pain. Just as the body needs physical relief, the mind needs emotional support. There are two dimensions of suffering when it comes to chronic pain: the physical and the emotional.
The Importance of Professional Help
Understanding when to seek professional help is key to breaking the cycle of suffering. If chronic pain is accompanied by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, irritability, or anxiety, it’s a sign that emotional support is needed. Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and a loss of interest in things you used to enjoy are also indicators that you might be struggling more than you realize.
Psychological pain management must address both the physical and psychological aspects of pain. Therapy isn’t just about talking through your emotions; it’s about learning how to cope with the mental weight that pain carries. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, has been shown to be effective in helping people reframe negative thinking patterns and regain control over their mental health. Dr. Pasahow’s psychological treatment goes beyond what cognitive behavioral therapy can provide, leading to superior results.
A Path to Relief: Dr. Robert Pasahow’s Approach
Dr. Robert Pasahow, a licensed psychologist with 39 years of experience in South Jersey and Florida, understands the intricate connection between chronic pain and emotional health. Having treated over 5,000 patients, Dr. Pasahow offers a multifaceted approach to pain management that incorporates cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic approaches, mindfulness, and energy psychology.
Dr. Pasahow’s work goes beyond surface-level treatment. His early research, conducted under the guidance of Dr. Martin Seligman at the University of Pennsylvania, positioned him at the forefront of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy’s development. With a career devoted to holistic treatment, Dr. Pasahow blends scientific expertise with compassionate care, offering patients real tools to regain control of their lives.
If you or someone you love is struggling with chronic pain and its emotional toll, there is hope. Dr. Pasahow’s comprehensive approach to therapy addresses not only the physical symptoms of pain but also the emotional and psychological effects, helping you regain your quality of life. Don’t let pain define you—take the first step toward relief today. Reach out to Dr. Pasahow and begin the journey toward healing, both inside and out.