Table of Contents
Foreword Mark Owens xiii
Introduction 1
Section 1 Descent into the Abyss
Chapter 1 The Pathway into Chronic Pain 13
The Neurophysiological Basis of Chronic Pain
Anxiety, Power, and Bullying
Year Personal Brain Scanner
Descent into the Abyss-An Overview
Chapter 2 The Source of Your Pain 29
Classification of Pain Sources
Tissues-Structural Sources
Tissues-Non-Structural Sources
Degenerative Disc Disease
Central Nervous System-Neurophysiologic Disorder (NPD)
Chapter 3 Imbedding Pain Pathways 49
Pain Sensitization
Memorization of Neurological Circuits
Pain Pathways
Feeding Repetitive Negative Thoughts
Suffering
Suppressing
Masking
Chapter 4 The Modifiers-Sleep and Anxiety 67
Sleep
The Creation of Anxiety
The Natural Progression of Anxiety
Societal Reinforcement of Anxiety
Cultural Programming
The Myth of Self-Esteem
Coping with Anxiety
Chapter 5 The Ultimate Modifier-Anger 89
The Genealogy of Anger
The Abyss
Needing Validation
Disguising Your Anger
Remaining a Victim
Being a Perfectionist
Losing Hope
Section 2 Doc Principles
Chapter 6 Processing Stress 111
The Terrifying Triad
Situational Stress
Principles of Dealing with Stress
Two Aspects of Managing Stress
The Effect of Stress on Pain
Chapter 7 Awareness 125
Defining Awareness
Unawareness and Abuse
Four Levels of Unawareness
Putting the Awareness Model to Work
Chapter 8 Stimulating Your Brain to Change-Neuroplasticity 149
Your Programming
Facilitating Neuroplasticity
Decreasing the Stress Chemicals
Forming New Pathways
Section 3 Your Roadmap Out of Pain
Chapter 9 Embarking on Your Journey 169
The Variables
Overview of the Process
The Paradoxes of Resolving Pain
Flawed Strategies
Chapter 10 Stage 1-Laying the Foundation 183
Step 1 Learn About What's Affecting Your Pain (Awareness)
Step 2 Begin Expressive Writing (Awareness and Separation)
Step 3 Practice Active Meditation (Reprogramming)
Step 4 Don't Share Your Pain (Reprogramming)
Step 5 Sleep (Reprogramming)
Chapter 11 Stage 2-Forgiveness and Play 195
Reactive vs. Creative
Steps to Reconnecting with Your Creativity
Awareness
Separation
Reprogramming
Chapter 12 Stage 3-Moving Forward 211
Step 1 Commit to a Daily Practice
Step 2 Create a Safe Haven-Family
Step 3 Get Organized
Step 4 Connect with the Life You Want
Step 5 Your Vision-Ask Three Questions
Chapter 13 Stage 4-Expanding Your Consciousness 223
Step 1 Pass Through the Ring of Fire
Step 2 Step into Your New Life
Step 3 Fail Well
Step 4 Look Up-Your Spiritual Journey
Step 5 Give Back
Section 4 Continuing Your Journey
Chapter 14 Sleep 237
Sleep Hygiene
Bedtime Stress Management
Exercise
Over-the-Counter Sleep Medications
Prescription Sleep Medications
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Childhood Trauma
Sleep Disorders
Chapter 15 Medication and Chronic Pain 249
Medication Overview
Narcotics
Non-Narcotics
Decreasing Anxiety
Sleep
Drugs that Directly Affect the Nervous System
Depression
Chapter 16 Effective Rehabilitation 257
Begin with a Calm Nervous System
Choose Effective Physical Therapy
Assessment
Education
Advanced Soft Tissue and Joint Mobilization Work
Specific and Functional Therapeutic Exercise
Long-Term Conditioning
Chapter 17 Expanding Your Horizon 275
Nurturing Gratitude
Reading History
Exploring a Spiritual Path
Active Self-Discovery
Connecting with Others
Appendices
Appendix A Do You Really Need Surgery? 285
Surgical Nightmares
"Prehab"
Flawed Studies
A Careful Study
Putting Myself Out of Business
A Final Word
Appendix B Self-Inventory Template 303
Overview of Self Today
Where Do I Want to Be in Five Years?
Action Plan for This Year
Acknowledgments 305
Glossary 307
References 317
Recommended Reading 327
Helpful Organizations 329
