In light of the opioid crisis, doctors are searching for alternatives to help patients in chronic pain. Physical therapy, numbing creams, different drugs – these are all common alternatives.
But here’s a new one: meditation.
There’s science to meditation. Pain creates a stress response in the body that can cause anxiety, causing a bigger stress response and more anxiety.
“It’s this vicious circle which can be slowed down by narcotics or by other mindfulness techniques,” Marco said.
And while opioids flood the brain with dopamine, studies show that meditation can increase dopamine naturally.
Marco recommends a couple apps to his patients: Back Doctor and Stop, Breathe and Think. You can find both of those for free in the App Store. The exercises trigger the body to make endorphins.
Read entire article here.