“We were surprised by the sheer number of genes that were marked by the chronic pain — hundreds to thousands of different genes were changed,” commented Moshe Szyf (McGill University). “Our findings highlight the devastating impact of chronic pain on other important parts of the body such as the immune system” added Szyf. (source, Neuro-central.com)

Ok let’s back up a second, we jumped right into epigenetics–my bad. First, I’m shocked that there isn’t more research on this topic. So let’s take a little walk down logic…lane. (?)

In this moment where our health is especially important, EVEN SCIENCE didn’t realize chronic pain affected our immune system until recently.

Which is ridiculous…I’ll explain why:

Chronic Pain naturally puts us in a stressed state. Of course there are moments of reprieve– like when we’re not moving, or maybe when you are moving– but overall there’s a chronic stress response happening.

The frequency of this stress response creates, well…this, “Ongoing stress makes us susceptible to illness and disease because the brain sends defense signals to the endocrine system, which then releases an array of hormones that not only gets us ready for emergency situations but severely depresses our immunity at the same time. Some experts claim that stress is responsible for as much as 90% of all illnesses and diseases, including cancer and heart disease.” (thank you Psychology Today, ‘How Stress Affects the Immune System’)

So, chronic pain increases our stress levels, and plenty of studies show stress’s detrimental effect on our immune system. Way to drop the ball on connecting those dots Scientists. God I miss Einstein…

It’s no longer a secret that I like to help people recover from chronic pain symptoms to actually help the rest of their lives. I used to think that may freak people out, but, now I don’t care if it does. If you’re not in pain, your mind, mood, and overall health get exponentially better. You have room to grow emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually

Now, we’re in a sensitive moment in time with the Covid virus spreading. Going to a gym may not appealing at the moment. That’s ok, another way I’ve wanted to be of service (and…well…come on….better provide for myself), is by offering my Online ‘Pain-Free and Fit’ Programs, for less than $1/day. I have seen that more than 80% of the pain we experience can be fixed on our own. All we need is the right stretches and exercises, in the right order. Well, you can find that here. Much of life is halting, your health and wellness doesn’t. (And because things are weird and stressful out there, enter PROMO CODE: FIT2020 for 25% off :))

You can continue to keep your stress levels low, chronic pain at bay, and your fitness high.

Live Life, Stay Well

 

Jeff Sidwell