tional, or if there is in fact malingering/fak- ing the pain to maximize re-imbursement. Studies on malingering show that between 1.25% and 10.4% of compensation claims have confirmed misrepresentations of symptoms. That means we cannot ignore that there are in fact people that are faking it, but this does not account for the major- ity of chronic pain patients.


As you can see, there is quite a web of factors contributing to pain syndromes. From research, it seems reasonable to conclude that pain could in fact be caused by (or exacerbated by) psychological changes. There is clearly evidence supporting PPD as a diagnosis, but figuring out if a patient is misdiagnosed, malingering, exaggerating their pain for sympathy and attention, or has a true psychogenic pain disorder can be a tall order. What’s important is that many people find resolution by exploring alterna- tive methods.


Natural Therapies for PPD


I personally can speak to having great success with all types of pain when utilizing alternative therapies. In my experience, many patients are being labeled inappropriately with PPD, likely because their other practitioners did not have further tools to evaluate and heal pain. I always start by assuming that the pain is real and has a source (even if the brain is the source). If you have this disorder, review your detailed history, including: all injuries, psychological events/traumas, and all past tests. Finding the cause is always number one. The best treatment is always going to be a holistic, individualized approach.


Here are the key interventions for anyone suffering with pain (including PPD):


• Reduce inflammation: Both pain and psychological disorders are often related to inflammation in the body. It may be that pain and psy- chological changes occur together and are both a sign of one big un- derlying issue, and thus both have to be treated together for complete resolution. Correcting the microbi- ome, gut permeability, and remov- ing food intolerances are essential to any protocol as this will reduce inflammation.


• Use holistic healing systems: Homeopathy and acupuncture are excellent at addressing the mind and body together. Make sure to have these types of practitioners on your healing team.


• Low Energy Neurofeedback: This is one of my preferred treatments for difficult to treat pain symptoms. This technology is capable of retrain- ing nerve signals and brain process- ing of pain signals. I have eliminated pain in many patients utilizing this therapy.


• Balance the musculoskeletal system: This usually requires one or more professionals in the fields of physi- cal therapy, chiropractic, naturo- pathic, craniosacral therapy, mas- sage therapy, or others that can help recondition muscles and bones. Work to strengthen and stretch ap- propriate muscles can do wonders for reducing mysterious pain.


• Photonic stimulation: Low level laser therapies are well researched for reducing pain and inflammation of muscles and joints. Certain devices are capable of calming down nerve conduction to reduce pain. They stimulate mito- chondrial activity which hastens healing of the treated tissues.


• Seek out a psychologist who special- izes in pain disorders: This will, at the very least, help you cope with having chronic pain (which will re- duce your experience of it). Best psy- chological therapies for pain/PPD: operant-behavioral therapy, cogni- tive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness- based therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.


• Stay engaged: Pain is down regulated by being distracted. Simply keeping yourself busy will alleviate pain.


• Exercise: Well proven to alleviate pain, as long as you are not making it worse.


• Hypnosis and PSYCH-K: These work entirely on unconscious beliefs and are great for modulating and reduc- ing pain.


Dr. Derrick Schull is a naturopathic physician who focuses on brain, neuro- logical health, and microbiome medicine. He practices at Pediatric & Family Center for Natural Medicine in Wallingford, CT. For further information and scheduling, see his website www.livingforcehealing. com. To schedule a 15 minute meet and greet, call the office at 203.265.0444.


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