Why Chronic Pain Can Hurt Your Brain?
Chronic pain is not just a physical issue; it’s a mental/emotional one as well. So if you struggle with back pain as well as anxiety, depression, foggy thinking or even memory problems, there’s a good chance they could be related. In fact, new research shows that chronic pain dramatically affects the hippocampal region of your brain, which is an important part of learning, memory and emotional processing.
Chronic Pain Stops the Growth of New Neurons It used to be thought that the number of neurons in your brain was determined at the time you were born, and only decreased as you got older. Now, however, it’s known that neurogenesis — the growth of new neurons — is not only possible, it happens all the time, virtually every day, if the conditions are right (such as if you challenge your brain by learning new things and exercise regularly). That said, a recent study revealed that chronic pain reduces the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, disrupting its electrical and biochemical signaling. Researchers measured hippocampal volume in humans, and found those with chronic back pain had significantly smaller hippocampus’, which they believe may be the reason why those with pain also often struggle with learning and emotional deficits.