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Chronic pain is a struggle that affects millions worldwide - but there is hope. As we've seen with many members of the NEUROFIT App community, nervous system regulation may be the key to your chronic pain relief.
Chronic pain is more than just a physical sensation. It’s a complex condition that very often stems from a dysregulated nervous system. This dysregulation can result in persistent pain signals, even when there’s no apparent injury or inflammation.
The nervous system plays a pivotal role in how we experience pain. When it’s balanced, the body can effectively manage pain and stress. However, if prolonged stress has built up in the body, a dysregulated nervous system can then amplify pain signals, which makes pain chronic and more pronounced:
Chronic stress builds up in the nervous system, leading to mental and physical health challenges.
Persistent discomfort that lasts for months or even years
Joint pain or stiffness
Muscle aches
Burning or tingling sensations
Fatigue or sleep disturbances
Past injuries or surgeries
Arthritis or other joint issues
Nerve damage
Fibromyalgia
Psychosomatic factors
A dysregulated nervous system can become overly reactive, misinterpreting normal sensations as painful. This heightened sensitivity results in a lower pain threshold and increased chronic pain. According to PubMed, emotional dysregulation can significantly impact pain perception and overall health.
For years, I dealt with Complex PTSD, which left me with a highly dysregulated nervous system. It wasn’t until I discovered the power of nervous system regulation that I found relief. My heart rate variability (HRV) doubled after six weeks of consistent practice, illustrating a significant reduction in stress and pain.
Successfully regulating the nervous system involves specific practices that help shift it from a state of dysregulation to balance. The goal is to spend as much time in the top three regulated states in the NEUROFIT Ring:
The NEUROFIT Ring shows the six possible nervous system states, and the transitions between them.
Here’s how you can start:
Taking a moment each day to check in with your body and mind can help you become more mindful of stress and pain levels.
Recent research from UConn suggests that improving this mind-body awareness can help reduce the intensity of pain. The NEUROFIT app facilitates this with a simple daily check-in process.
The NEUROFIT App's check-in feature lets you strengthen your mind-body connection, measure growth, and get personalized coaching insights.
HRV is a clinically-validated biomarker of nervous system health.
By using tools like the NEUROFIT app, which uses phone camera-based HRV measurement, you can track your progress and make necessary adjustments without needing a wearable.
The NEUROFIT App's camera-based HRV tech lets you measure your Heart Rate, HRV and more without needing a wearable.
Engaging in somatic exercises can help shift the nervous system from a dysregulated state to balance. A few exercises you can try:
Body Tapping: Helps ground the body by increasing interoceptive awareness
Eye Press Breathing: Reduces sympathetic activation, promoting relaxation.
The NEUROFIT App's smart exercise library matches you with exercises that relieve stress within three minutes.
Incorporating stillness practices such as meditation or yoga can significantly improve nervous system balance.
These practices help the body shift into the Stillness state, reducing pain and promoting healing.
Many people report feeling relief within a week of consistent practice. Our app data shows that active members experience 54% less stress after just one week.
While not required, using an app like NEUROFIT can provide structured guidance, daily coaching, and measurable insights, keeping you on track and making the process far more effective.
Daily practice is recommended for the best results. Even five minutes a day can make a significant difference.
Chronic pain doesn’t have to control your life. By understanding and applying nervous system regulation, you can find relief and improve your overall well-being. At NEUROFIT, we’ve seen firsthand how these seemingly simple practices can quickly transform lives.
