Dr. Anna M L Smith is a UK-based doctor who offers a holistic lifestyle and mind-body approach, caring for patients with chronic pain and medically unexplained symptoms. She is the founder of Health and Wellness GP in Oxfordshire.
Chronic pain can be a perplexing and isolating experience, particularly when it lacks clear medical explanations. Many individuals find themselves navigating a maze of symptoms that challenge conventional diagnoses and treatments, leading to frustration and uncertainty. In this article, we explore the intricacies of medically unexplained symptoms, providing valuable insights and strategies for understanding and managing chronic pain effectively.
Do you suffer from symptoms your doctor cannot explain?
Imagine waking up every day with a companion you never asked for, persistent pain, fatigue, or brain fog that doesn’t seem to leave your side. If you’ve found yourself nodding along, you’re not alone. A staggering 30% to 50% of patients visit their family doctors with persistent pain or unexplained symptoms, only to hear the dreaded words: “Everything looks normal.” Welcome to the often-frustrating realm of chronic pain and medically unexplained symptoms.
What are medically unexplained symptoms?
Chronic pain differs significantly from acute pain, which arises from an injury and typically resolves over time. Chronic pain, on the other hand, is a debilitating condition that can linger indefinitely, impacting both physical and emotional well-being. Conditions like fibromyalgia are prime examples. Individuals may experience not only widespread pain but also symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties, commonly referred to as “brain fog.”
When your doctor runs tests and comes back with “normal” results, you might find yourself grappling with what’s known as medically unexplained symptoms (MUS). Common examples include irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis, migraines, chronic headaches, restless legs syndrome, anxiety, and chronic fatigue syndrome. But what’s behind these mysterious symptoms?
The science behind chronic pain and MUS
First things first, it’s crucial to rule out any structural or pathological causes for your symptoms, which is why visiting a doctor is a wise decision. However, when all tests come back normal, the diagnosis often turns to MUS. So, what causes these symptoms?
Recent advances in pain science have shed light on the mechanisms behind chronic pain and MUS. Central sensitization, a process where the nervous system becomes overly sensitive to stimuli—plays a significant role. This sensitivity can arise from traumatic experiences, chronic stress, and lifestyle choices, leading to an inflammatory response in both the mind and body.
Think of it like this: an emotional or physical trigger sends signals to the brain, which interprets these signals as threats. In response, the brain issues a protective message that manifests as pain. This reaction also activates the body’s fight/flight/freeze response, causing a range of physical symptoms, including irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis, restless legs, migraine, fatigue and sleep disorders. Essentially, the brain learns to overreact, creating a cycle of pain and symptoms that can feel endless.
The neural pathway gets learnt and so the symptoms keep recurring.
Breaking the cycle: Steps toward recovery
So, how can you embark on a journey toward recovery? Understanding the underlying causes of your symptoms is the first step. Education about central sensitization and learned neural pathways can empower you to reclaim your health.
Emotional awareness and expression
Unexpressed or repressed emotions often find a way to surface as physical symptoms. Anxiety, for example, can be seen as the body’s way of expressing these unacknowledged feelings. Consider incorporating journaling into your routine—just 10-20 minutes a day where you focus on your emotions rather than the narrative of your life. This practice can provide clarity and release.
Mind-body techniques
Explore mind-body techniques like tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique), movement to music, or meditation. These methods can help regulate your nervous system and promote relaxation. Familiarize yourself with concepts like Polyvagal Theory or Paul Gilbert’s emotional regulation system, which can serve as helpful frameworks for understanding your stress responses.
Lifestyle review
A lifestyle review can also work wonders. Examine your diet: Are you eating enough fruits and vegetables? Do you consume whole foods with fewer than five ingredients? Incorporating more fibre, such as beans and lentils, can boost your gut health and potentially alleviate symptoms. Additionally, reducing sugar intake may lead to significant improvements.
Gentle movement and sleep
Exercise doesn’t have to be intense to be effective. Start with small, gentle movements and gradually increase your activity level. Prioritizing sleep is also crucial. Aim to establish a sleep routine that includes morning light exposure and limits caffeine intake after midday. Spend the 90 minutes before bed engaging in calming activities—reading, gentle stretches, or simply enjoying quiet time with loved ones can prepare your body for rest.
Hope on the horizon
It’s important to remember that recovery is possible. By understanding the intricate connection between mind and body, you can take proactive steps toward improving your mental and physical health. Embrace the journey, explore various techniques, and give yourself the grace to heal. While the path may be challenging, the destination, a life with less pain and more joy—is within reach. Your journey begins today!
Dr. Anna Smith is one of the only doctors in Oxfordshire offering pain reprocessing therapy.
Feel free to contact her via the website for a free discovery call.
Read more from Dr. Anna M L Smith
Dr. Anna M L Smith, Holistic Mind-Body Doctor
Dr. Anna M L Smith is a UK-based doctor who offers a holistic approach to healthcare, which reflects her understanding of the mind-body connection and how lifestyle factors affect our mental and physical well-being.
She is the founder of Health and Wellness GP in Oxfordshire.
Her mission: To enable people to make small daily changes to benefit their mental and physical health.
