Pain Neuroscience Education: Enhancing Recovery Through Chiropractic Care
- Dr Tommy-Lee McCafferty DC
- May 12
- 3 min read
In the journey to recovery, one powerful and increasingly recognised approach is Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE). Pain is something most of us will encounter - sometimes briefly, sometimes persistently. It is often misunderstood, and that misunderstanding can increase distress and hinder recovery. PNE seeks to shift perceptions by helping individuals understand the science behind pain, reframing how we interpret it. When combined with chiropractic care, this educational approach can support a more holistic, empowered path to healing.
Pain: More Than Just a Physical Sensation
Pain is not just a symptom - it’s a complex experience shaped by biological, psychological, and social factors. Sometimes pain reflects genuine tissue damage, such as in the case of an acute injury. However, in many cases - particularly with chronic pain - the nervous system may remain in a heightened state of alertness, even after tissues have healed. Think of it like a car alarm going off even when there’s no break-in. This hypersensitivity can stem from previous injuries, stress, or emotional trauma. PNE helps to 'reset' this alarm by educating individuals about how pain works and why it may persist.
How Pain Neuroscience Education Supports Recovery
PNE uses metaphors, models, and practical examples to explain the nervous system’s role in pain. A central message is that pain does not always equate to damage. By reframing pain in this way, individuals often feel less anxious, which can reduce their pain experience and improve function.
Consider the nervous system as a security system. If it becomes overly sensitive, it may start to react to non-threatening stimuli. PNE helps to turn down the volume on this system. This recalibration can be especially empowering for people with persistent pain, helping them feel more in control and optimistic about recovery.
The Role of Chiropractic Care in Pain Management
Chiropractic care may complement PNE by addressing physical contributors to the pain experience. Through hands-on techniques such as spinal adjustments and soft tissue work, chiropractors aim to reduce tension, support better joint mobility, and improve nervous system function. While individual responses can vary, many patients report feeling more comfortable and mobile following chiropractic care, which may help reduce the body’s threat response and facilitate better outcomes from PNE.
A Helpful Analogy: The Broken Lightbulb
Imagine the pain response as a flickering lightbulb. You might first check the bulb, but if the issue persists, you'd look at the wiring and switches. In this analogy, PNE is like learning how the wiring and circuits work - it helps you understand why the bulb flickers. Chiropractic care then helps assess and potentially improve the wiring itself. Together, these approaches work to restore function, reduce sensitivity, and support a more balanced, comfortable experience in your body.
Moving Forward With a Combined Approach
When used together, PNE and chiropractic care can support patients in multiple ways - educationally, physically, and emotionally. Learning more about pain through PNE helps demystify and destigmatise the experience, while chiropractic care may help address the musculoskeletal and neurological factors contributing to it.
If you’re living with persistent or complex pain, consider exploring this integrative approach. Speaking to a qualified chiropractor can help you decide whether this path is right for you.
Here's to clearer circuits and steadier lightbulbs on your journey to recovery.
Written by Dr Tommy-Lee McCafferty DC
References
Moseley, G. L., & Butler, D. S. (2015). Explain Pain (2nd ed.). Noigroup Publications.
Nijs, J., et al. (2013). Thinking beyond muscles and joints: Attitudes and beliefs regarding chronic musculoskeletal pain. Manual Therapy, 18(2), 96–102.
Louw, A., et al. (2016). The efficacy of pain neuroscience education on musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 32(5), 332–355.
Hodges, P. W., & Tucker, K. (2011). Moving differently in pain. Pain, 152(Suppl), S90–S98.
Humphreys, B. K. (2011). Chiropractic management of spine-related disorders. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 15(4), 499–507.
Bialosky, J. E., et al. (2009). Pain neuroscience education and manual therapy integration. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 17(2), 90–96.
Comments