This video presents one of the best upcoming pain treatments I know of …. using f-MRI, which is “functional MRI,” a type of MRI brain scan. Researchers use f-MRI data from the areas of our brain which are active when we experience pain. The most exciting way to use this so far - though still only in research protocols currently - is having people watch their f-MRI readout, then use coping techniques to modify the f-MRI readout. This can decrease pain significantly.
This technique can be likened to biofeedback, but is more direct - a window into brain processing, then modifying that processing to decrease pain.
I’m excited about this type of research because it directly works with the brain - where our pain experience occurs. It’s also promising because of what it’s not… not a medication and not an invasive procedure. I hope to see further studies soon using this technique!
Dr. Sean Mackey is from Stanford School of Medicine’s Pain Management Center and is a ground-breaking researcher in new ways to understand and treat pain.
Grand Rounds is posted at Chronic Babe this week, a great site for those with chronic illness who still want to “be babes”!
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3 responses so far ↓
jeisea // Mar 5, 2008 at 9:40 pm
This is further proof of the part the brain plays in the perception of pain. This video also lends weight to the findings that the way we focus and think about pain affects pain so when we are told to think positively our brain changes in a beneficial way. I’ve read that the reverse is also the case. When we focus in a negative way our pain perception is greater. You are so right HTCwP. These new developments off a drug free way to control our own pain thus empowering us.
jeisea
Barbara K. // Mar 8, 2008 at 10:54 am
This is very interesting. I have found that when I meditate, I feel no pain. I wonder what my brain scan would look like during those times.
How to Cope with Pain // Mar 8, 2008 at 11:03 am
Barbara, there are probably at least several areas of our brains that can “silence” pain. I’d bet that if you had a scan while meditating and feeling no pain, whatever area worked for you would be active.
One thing to work on might be how you could keep that area that quiets your pain “active,” even when you’re not meditating. The idea of continuing the benefit, even when you’re not specifically focusing on meditating.
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