You don't have to live with chronic back pain According to the American Physical Therapy Association, back pain is the single leading cause of disability, prevent- ing many people from engaging in work as well as every- day activities. While most people with low back pain re- cover, for some, the pain becomes chronicand debilitating. If you happen to be living with chronic back pain, Cliff Wonsettler, a physical therapist at Wonsettler Physical Therapy & Specialized Health, in Scenery Hill, said it's possible to find relief. "It's a common problem that many people deal with," Wonsettler said. "There's also a lot of questions and un- certainties around the subject. But I'm not going to beat around the bush. When it comes to the question of wheth- er chronic back pain can be cured, the resounding answer is yes! I know this both scientifically and anecdotally." To aid in the journey, Wonsettler said it's important to understand what pain is. "Pain is an output of the brain that is produced when- ever the brain concludes that body tissue is in danger "In essence, what's required to over- appreciate the small changes over and action is required. There are three types of pain: No- come chronic back pain is under- many months, but if you can looks ciceptive pain, neuropathic pain and pain from central standing many of the components back, you can see the gains." sensitization," Wonsettler said. However, central sensiti- that will have a positive influence on zation is most commonly what's going on when some- the brain's perception of pain. Then Wonsettler said the first step in find- one is having chronic pain. This can result in pain no lon- we can begin addressing those items ing relief is having the self-awareness ger being protective. Various areas of our brain light up in order of importance and influence. to seek out help. and there is a perception of danger, however pain does If you have tight low back muscles not always mean an injury or tissue damage. Often, peo- ple with chronic back pain have had tests and imaging you've been religiously stretching ness to say I need help' and then done to rule out concerns of something more serious. that are contributing to pain - and "You really need to have the aware- two times daily - that's great! But if you need to find someone who of- you have other issues, like you're only fers guidance and direction," he said. "So most people are left wondering then why their back sleeping two hours a night, eat noth- "There are people who can coach is hurting all the time. Your pain is legitimate and very ing but donuts and beer every meal, you. Who can help you along in this real, it's just harder to address and understand the rea- hate your work and are stressed out journey. You need to figure out who sons why it's there," Wonsettler said. beyond belief - and you're not ad- that is, and then put trust in them dressing these things - you will very and yourself and start." Chronic pain, Wonsettler said, is what happens when likely continue to have chronic pain," pain has been present for more than three to six months. Wonsettler said. "Here is the first and most important word to understand A comprehensive approach that how they can help you, call 724-945- when it comes to chronic pain - neuroplasticity. Neuro- helps your brain to see things differ- plasticity is a big word that describes the brain's ability to ently and undergo positive changes 5161 or visit wonsettlerpt.com. To learn more about Wonsettler Phys- ical Therapy & Specialized Health and modify, adapt or change over time. It's one of the most will help you conquer your chronic amazing and important things we know about the brain, back pain. especially as it pertains to chronic pain," he said. Sponsored content brought to you by "The difficult thing is sticking with To make positive changes in the brain (where all pain is something long enough to see a generated), it is important to understand what influenc- change," Wonsettler said. "It can take many months. That's why I en- cal health; sleep; stress reactivity; attitudes and beliefs; courage people to journal as they go through this journey. It's hard to WPT WONSETTLER Physical Therapy & Specialized Health es the brain's perceptions. The short list includes physi- social support; family relationships and nutrition. You don't have to live with chronic back pain According to the American Physical Therapy Association, back pain is the single leading cause of disability, prevent- ing many people from engaging in work as well as every- day activities. While most people with low back pain re- cover, for some, the pain becomes chronicand debilitating. If you happen to be living with chronic back pain, Cliff Wonsettler, a physical therapist at Wonsettler Physical Therapy & Specialized Health, in Scenery Hill, said it's possible to find relief. "It's a common problem that many people deal with," Wonsettler said. "There's also a lot of questions and un- certainties around the subject. But I'm not going to beat around the bush. When it comes to the question of wheth- er chronic back pain can be cured, the resounding answer is yes! I know this both scientifically and anecdotally." To aid in the journey, Wonsettler said it's important to understand what pain is. "Pain is an output of the brain that is produced when- ever the brain concludes that body tissue is in danger "In essence, what's required to over- appreciate the small changes over and action is required. There are three types of pain: No- come chronic back pain is under- many months, but if you can looks ciceptive pain, neuropathic pain and pain from central standing many of the components back, you can see the gains." sensitization," Wonsettler said. However, central sensiti- that will have a positive influence on zation is most commonly what's going on when some- the brain's perception of pain. Then Wonsettler said the first step in find- one is having chronic pain. This can result in pain no lon- we can begin addressing those items ing relief is having the self-awareness ger being protective. Various areas of our brain light up in order of importance and influence. to seek out help. and there is a perception of danger, however pain does If you have tight low back muscles not always mean an injury or tissue damage. Often, peo- ple with chronic back pain have had tests and imaging you've been religiously stretching ness to say I need help' and then done to rule out concerns of something more serious. that are contributing to pain - and "You really need to have the aware- two times daily - that's great! But if you need to find someone who of- you have other issues, like you're only fers guidance and direction," he said. "So most people are left wondering then why their back sleeping two hours a night, eat noth- "There are people who can coach is hurting all the time. Your pain is legitimate and very ing but donuts and beer every meal, you. Who can help you along in this real, it's just harder to address and understand the rea- hate your work and are stressed out journey. You need to figure out who sons why it's there," Wonsettler said. beyond belief - and you're not ad- that is, and then put trust in them dressing these things - you will very and yourself and start." Chronic pain, Wonsettler said, is what happens when likely continue to have chronic pain," pain has been present for more than three to six months. Wonsettler said. "Here is the first and most important word to understand A comprehensive approach that how they can help you, call 724-945- when it comes to chronic pain - neuroplasticity. Neuro- helps your brain to see things differ- plasticity is a big word that describes the brain's ability to ently and undergo positive changes 5161 or visit wonsettlerpt.com. To learn more about Wonsettler Phys- ical Therapy & Specialized Health and modify, adapt or change over time. It's one of the most will help you conquer your chronic amazing and important things we know about the brain, back pain. especially as it pertains to chronic pain," he said. Sponsored content brought to you by "The difficult thing is sticking with To make positive changes in the brain (where all pain is something long enough to see a generated), it is important to understand what influenc- change," Wonsettler said. "It can take many months. That's why I en- cal health; sleep; stress reactivity; attitudes and beliefs; courage people to journal as they go through this journey. It's hard to WPT WONSETTLER Physical Therapy & Specialized Health es the brain's perceptions. The short list includes physi- social support; family relationships and nutrition.