Pain Awareness Month: Getting Your Life Back with Chronic Pain
In the United States alone, there are an estimated 50 million people who live with chronic pain. Every September, during Pain Awareness Month, the United States Pain Foundation shines a light on the devastating impacts that pain poses on our society. Pain is the number one reason that people go to the doctor in the United States, and it costs this country an estimated $635 billion per year in terms of lost productivity and medical expenses. Despite the daunting number of people who experience pain in our country, the NIH dedicates only 2% of its budget to pain research. This statistic can be immensely disappointing to the millions of Americans searching for answers, and here at Huemn - Optimization + Cryo Recovery, we are actively bringing in innovative solutions for our customers seeking relief.
Our Approach to Pain
Contrary to mainstream pain interventions like opioid medications and steroid injections, at Huemn, we attempt to get to the source of your pain. As we have discussed at length in previous blogs, inflammation is the root of nearly every major disease. In many cases, inflammation is also responsible for a large number of chronic pain cases. Our modalities aim to reduce inflammation--plain and simple. By reducing the overall inflammatory burden on the body, we are able to get to the root cause of why you are experiencing debilitating pain. In this particular blog post, we’re covering five modalities that are scientifically proven to reduce pain and inflammation, and increase your quality of life.
Whole Body + Local Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy was developed in Japan in the 1970s, strictly for the purpose of treating the inflammation and pain associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Researchers found that when you immerse a body in sub-zero temperatures, a Cold Shock response occurs. This Cold Shock response sends a signal to the brain to release endorphins and 3x the normal amount of norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a powerful anti-inflammatory protein that inhibits TNFa (an inflammatory cytokine produced by the immune system) production. Additionally, endorphins are feel good hormones that elevate mood and produce an opioid-like response to pain signals.
Cryotherapy has been cited in a myriad of pain-related studies, with some of the most impressive results coming from researchers studying autoimmune arthritis and inflammatory disorders. For example, in this study, patients with active Ankylosing Spondylitis has significantly lower levels of CRP (inflammatory marker) after undergoing Whole Body Cryotherapy. Moreover, the patients’ BASDAI + BASFAI (disease activity) scores were also measured, and in the WBC group, the decrease of these parameters was significantly higher when compared to that of the control group.
This incredible study concluded that Whole Body Cryotherapy contributed to a reduction in severity of pain in those with degenerative spine disease. Another phenomenal set of findings determined that Whole Body Cryotherapy could be recommended as an effective approach to improving pain levels in fibromyalgia patients. Finally, in this study, Whole Body Cryotherapy resulted in a reduction in the frequency and degree of pain perception in patients with osteoarthritis.
Photobiomodulation (Light Therapy)
Originally developed by NASA for muscular regeneration and wound healing, Photobiomodulation Therapy is a true whole body healer. PBM has been scientifically proven to reduce oxidative stress in the body by delivering light at optimal wavelengths, power densities, and dosages, in order to increase ATP production in the body. By increasing ATP production, PBM promotes regeneration, reduces inflammation, and most importantly, delivers phenomenal results all while being drug and side effect free.
There have been a multitude of studies conducted over the last two decades regarding the efficacy of PBM, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive. In fact, the American College of Physicians Guidelines include a “strong recommendation” for Low-Level Laser Therapy as a non-invasive treatment for acute, subacute, and chronic pain. Photobiomodulation is also hugely beneficial for those who suffer from neuropathic disorders. This fascinating study found that PBM positively impacted the recovery of nerve lesions, which thereby reduced the devastating impacts of neuropathy.
According to this study, the light-tissue interaction that takes place during PBM promoted both an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect on the patients’ bodies. In addition to this pain and inflammation relief, PBM expedites neural and tissue healing, making it an ideal modality for those suffering from nerve-related disorders.
Finally, osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder in the United States, and is a huge contributor to the chronic pain population. Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBM) is an alternative approach to treating osteoarthritis, and research findings are showing promising outcomes in slowing (or stopping) the progression of osteoarthritis. Speaking of arthritis, a systematic review in The Journal of Rheumatology found significant results across thirteen randomized controlled arthritis trials that had been conducted. In these trials, the best results were demonstrated in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, with light therapy reducing participants’ pain by 70%, compared to the placebo.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF Therapy)
PEMF utilizes electrical energy to send ultrashort voltage pulses through the body, penetrating cells, tissues, and organs. The flood of energy waves penetrates past the surface of the cell wall, and towards the damaged, stressed, or injured areas that are in most need of healing. Each pulse creates an electrical signal that stimulates cells, allowing them to recharge.
Think of your cells as a battery. Like any battery, our cells can become depleted. PEMF recharges those batteries, rebooting the cells’ chemical and electrical processes. This “reboot” helps the cells to function normally again. When the body is injured, stressed, or depleted, a disruption of the electromagnetic energy occurs, which impacts the cells’ ability to function. PEMF works by generating and directing powerful, pulsed energy waves toward damaged or injured areas of the body.
PEMF can be used for a wide variety of chronic, acute, and subacute pain conditions. Its versatility makes it a great option for those recovering from athletic injuries, along with other degenerative pain conditions like osteoarthritis. The science behind this incredible modality is pretty compelling; as are the real-life Huemn member testimonials that have been piling in since we added this service to our star-studded lineup of recovery modalities. Check out some of the research below!
Bone density changes in osteoporosis-prone women exposed to pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs): findings suggest that properly applied PEMFs may have clinical application in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Study here.
Low frequency and low intensity pulsed electromagnetic field exerts its anti-inflammatory effect through restoration of plasma membrane calcium ATPase activity: study indicated that PEMF could be developed as a potential therapy for RA. Study here.
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for management of osteoarthritis-related pain, stiffness and physical function: clinical experience in the elderly: shows that PEMF therapy improves pain, stiffness and physical function in elderly patients affected by knee osteoarthritis. Study here.
NeuFit
We acknowledge that not all pain-related conditions are due to inflammatory issues. For a handful of patients, a chronic pain diagnosis is preceded by a traumatic bodily injury like a car accident or structural dysfunction within the body. Thankfully, our modalities tackle more than just inflammation. Cutting edge treatments like NeuFit neuromuscular reeducation have proven themselves largely beneficial for many members.
NeuFit Neuro Therapy at Huemn utilizes innovative technology to directly hack the brain-body connection. This “hack” frees our bodies from the restrictions placed on the nervous system, leading to increased range of motion, reduced pain, increased strength, and expedited recovery. For example: when you injure yourself, your body compensates for that injury. You may walk differently, hold your body in a way that “protects” the injured area, etc. These compensations over time can lead to more dysfunction, pain, and limited range of motion. NeuFit seeks to rewire these connections, freeing your body from its need to compensate in the first place. The best part about NeuFit? We have the ability to scan the body part (or parts) in question, and find exactly what the root cause of your pain is.
That’s right—the NeuFit Neubie device is able to pinpoint the exact location of where dysfunctional muscular and neurological connections are occurring, and is then able to reprogram these connections using electrical stimulation. This leads to a reduction in pain and discomfort, along with an increase in performance. Most of our members notice a significant improvement in just one session!
Our Modalities in the News
For Pain Awareness Month this year, there was a focus on drug-free innovations in pain management. This focus on non-invasive, drug-free treatment options is really exciting, given the fact that the opioid crisis continues to ravage the country with an estimated 2.4 million Americans having an opioid use disorder. Moreover, many pain sufferers experience life-altering side effects due to opioid pain medications and potent anti-inflammatories, making it difficult to work, socialize, and fully enjoy their lives.
Because of the many limitations that pharmaceutical interventions currently present, millions of Americans suffering from debilitating pain conditions need better options. At Huemn, we've acknowledged this need from Day 1, which is why many of our members have sought out our modalities as a way to manage their pain conditions. In fact, if you haven't checked out our blog post on natural pain management options, click here to read it.
Last week, A4M (The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine) formally listed both Cryotherapy and PEMF Therapy as innovative alternatives to opioids for pain management. You can read the entire article here, but to summarize their findings:
On PEMF: "Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy utilizes dual-field electric and magnetic energy to stimulate cellular expression boosting overall health and wellness. This technique modified pain pathways by increasing the body’s naturally-occurring pain-relief mechanisms while reducing inflammation and swelling. PEMF is a non-invasive, sensation-free therapy that can be used both in the outpatient setting as well as at home."
On Whole Body Cryotherapy: "Recently rising in popularity across the globe, cryotherapy utilizes the body’s natural response to extreme cold to treat peripheral nerves and immediately reduce pain severity. It can be delivered using a portable, handheld system or larger, stationary cryotherapy chambers that treat the entire body. Cryotherapy treatment has been found to reduce opioid use following surgery and also carries other significant health benefits, including improved mental health and wellbeing, decreased inflammation, and muscular healing."
In Closing
We know that pain, whether chronic or acute, can seriously alter your quality of life. Whether you are an active person who is sidelined by a devastating injury, or someone living with a debilitating inflammatory condition like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, or Lupus, pain substantially impacts every aspect of life. Furthermore, the current approach to treating pain; often with opioids, high powered anti-inflammatories, or steroid medications, can pose a laundry list of negative side effects that most people want to avoid (if possible). This is why we make it a priority to offer a diverse selection of inflammation reducing and pain fighting services at Huemn. Are you or someone you love suffering from a debilitating pain condition? If so, feel free to send them this blog, or better yet, have them book their free consultation (and one free session) below.