Imagine a life where chronic pain, fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms no longer hold you back. Dr. Howard Schubiner, a pioneer in mind-body medicine, believes this is possible by addressing the brain’s role in creating and sustaining these conditions.
In a recent interview with re-origin’s Ben Ahrens, Dr. Schubiner shared how unresolved emotional stress and hypervigilance can rewire the brain’s neural circuits, leading to persistent symptoms. But the hopeful message is this: the brain is neuroplastic, meaning it can be rewired for healing.
The Science of Chronic Pain
“All pain is created by the brain,” explains Dr. Schubiner. While the brain receives signals from the body, it assigns meaning to the stimuli, and ultimately decides whether pain or fatigue is experienced. Emotional stress can activate the same brain regions as physical injury, producing real, severe symptoms—what he refers to as neuroplastic pain.
For many, chronic symptoms are mistakenly attributed to structural damage or undiagnosed illnesses. However, shifting pain, symptoms that worsen with stress, or those that persist despite medical clearance are often rooted in the brain’s neural pathways.
The Hopeful Message
Dr. Schubiner emphasizes that these conditions are reversible, offering a transformative message for anyone feeling trapped by chronic symptoms. The key lies in understanding that chronic symptoms are not a life sentence—they are a signal from the brain, one that can be rewired with the right tools and mindset. By shifting from a fear-based approach to one of curiosity and empowerment, you can take control of your healing journey.
This process starts with a profound shift in perspective. Many people feel hopeless when they’re told their symptoms are “all in their head.” But Dr. Schubiner reframes this by highlighting that “all pain is real,” and the fact that the brain is involved is actually liberating—it means there’s potential for change. The brain’s neuroplasticity allows it to adapt and unlearn the patterns that create chronic symptoms.
For those who’ve tried countless treatments without success, this approach offers a new path forward. Whether through small, intentional actions like visualizing activities without fear or practicing mindfulness to reframe pain, these steps can gradually rewire the brain’s neural circuits. To get started, learn more about re-origin’s neuroplasticity program.
Next Steps
If you or someone you know is struggling with chronic symptoms, start by exploring the resources shared by Dr. Schubiner below.
Resources from Dr. Howard Schubiner
- Unlearn Your Pain (Research, training for practitioners, books, and other resources from Dr. Schubiner)
- ATNS / Symptomatic (List of practitioners, research, info on neuroplastic symptoms)
- TMS Wiki
- Coursera – Reign of Pain
