Pain is a universal experience, yet few people truly understand what it is, why it occurs, and how to effectively manage it. At Unity Chiropractic Wellness, located in the heart of New York City near Grand Central Terminal, we see many patients struggling with chronic pain. Whether it’s joint discomfort, postural issues, or pain from past injuries, understanding the anatomy of pain is the first step toward lasting relief.
Pain isn’t just an inconvenient symptom; it’s a complex signal that our body uses to protect itself. But sometimes, this signal becomes distorted, leading to unnecessary suffering. If you’ve ever wondered, Why do I still feel pain long after my injury has healed?, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll break down what pain really is, how it affects movement and healing, and what you can do to move beyond it.
What is Pain, Really?
Pain is often misunderstood as simply a response to tissue damage, but it’s much more than that. It’s a protective mechanism controlled by the nervous system. Your brain interprets pain signals based on a variety of factors—some physiological, others psychological.
When you experience pain, your body goes through a process:
1. Nociceptors (pain receptors) detect a stimulus – These receptors are sensitive to extreme temperature, pressure, or chemical changes caused by injury or inflammation.
2. The spinal cord transmits the signal – It acts as a highway between the body and the brain.
3. The brain interprets the message – Depending on context, past experiences, and emotional state, the brain decides how intense the pain should feel.
Pain can persist even after an injury heals due to something called central sensitization, where the nervous system remains in a heightened state of alert, making even minor stimuli feel painful.
If you’re experiencing chronic pain in your back, shoulders, or knees, you may wonder, Why does my pain come and go? This fluctuating pain often means your nervous system is involved in the process—not just the muscles or joints.
Types of Pain and Why They Matter
Understanding different types of pain can help guide treatment strategies.
1. Acute Pain – This is short-term pain that results from an injury, like a sprained ankle or a pulled muscle. It typically subsides as the injury heals.
2. Chronic Pain – Lasting longer than three months, this type of pain often stems from an unresolved injury, poor movement patterns, or nervous system dysfunction.
3. Neuropathic Pain – This occurs when nerves themselves are damaged, causing burning or tingling sensations, even when no physical injury is present.
4. Referred Pain – Sometimes, pain originates in one area but is felt in another. A common example is sciatic pain, which stems from the lower back but radiates down the leg.
At Unity Chiropractic Wellness, we help patients in Manhattan identify the root cause of their pain, rather than just treating the symptoms.
Pain and Movement: The Vicious Cycle
Many people instinctively avoid movement when they’re in pain, thinking rest will help them heal. While some rest is necessary, too much can make pain worse. This is because:
• Joints rely on movement for nourishment – Unlike muscles, which receive direct blood flow, joints depend on movement to circulate synovial fluid, which delivers nutrients and removes waste.
• Weak muscles contribute to instability – Avoiding movement can weaken stabilizing muscles, making joints more vulnerable.
• The brain develops a fear of movement (kinesiophobia) – If you avoid activity for too long, your brain starts associating movement with pain, even after the injury has healed.
If you’ve ever thought, Why does my pain flare up after resting too much?, it’s likely due to muscle deconditioning and joint stiffness.
Breaking Free from Chronic Pain
So, how do you break the pain cycle? The key is targeted movement and load training.
1. Addressing Muscle Imbalances
Poor posture, repetitive stress, and weak stabilizing muscles all contribute to pain. Strengthening the right muscles while improving mobility in restricted areas can help restore balance.
For example:
• Back pain often stems from weak glutes and a stiff thoracic spine. Strengthening the core and hips while improving spinal mobility can bring relief.
• Shoulder pain frequently results from poor posture and weak rotator cuff muscles. Strengthening the scapular stabilizers can reduce strain on the shoulders.
• Knee pain is commonly caused by poor hip stability. Strengthening the glutes and improving ankle mobility can reduce knee strain.
2. Gradual Load Training
Contrary to popular belief, lifting weights or resistance training can be one of the best ways to reduce pain—if done correctly. Strengthening connective tissue and muscles through controlled, progressive load training helps build resilience.
At our NYC chiropractic clinic, we focus on functional strength training to support joint health. Exercises like squats, lunges, and deadlifts—when performed with proper mechanics—help stabilize the body and reduce stress on painful areas.
3. Restoring Joint Mobility
Mobility is just as important as strength. Tight joints lead to compensatory movement patterns, increasing strain on surrounding muscles. Techniques like dynamic stretching, chiropractic adjustments, and joint mobilization can help restore proper motion.
4. Mind-Body Connection
Pain isn’t just physical—it’s also neurological and emotional. Stress, anxiety, and past injuries can amplify pain signals. Mindfulness practices, controlled breathing, and even visualization techniques can help retrain the brain’s pain response.
Finding the Right Treatment for You
Many people search for How can I get rid of chronic pain naturally? The answer is a combination of movement, stability training, and professional care.
At Unity Chiropractic Wellness, we take a comprehensive approach to pain relief. We don’t just focus on temporary fixes—we create long-term strategies for improved mobility, strength, and function.
If you’re in NYC, particularly near Grand Central Terminal, Midtown, or Murray Hill, and you’re struggling with pain, don’t wait. Pain doesn’t have to define your life. With the right movement strategy, your body can heal, adapt, and grow stronger.
Book an appointment with us today, and let’s start rebuilding your body from the ground up.