What is Chronic Pain and how can you combat it?

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

What is Chronic Pain and how can you combat it?

What is Chronic Pain and how can you combat it?

What is Chronic Pain and how can you combat it?

Pain involves nerve endings in the body and nerve pathways from the brain to the body.  Pain becomes chronic when it lasts for over 6 months. Our thoughts, personalities,  social environment and learned behaviors can all contribute to how severe the pain is experienced. 

What are methods to Combat Chronic Pain?

1. Deep Breathing, Meditation, & Biofeedback

Meditation techniques can help relax your body. This may help ease pain since the tension and tightness from themuscles can receive a quiet message to relax from meditation. The key in meditation is focusing on the breath, observing thoughts, and possibly repeating a word or phrase which can help the body relax.

Another relaxation technique similar to meditation is deep breathing.  Find a quiet location and a comfortable body position. Then, imagine a spot just below your navel. Breathe into that spot, filling your abdomen with air. Let the air fill you from the abdomen up, then let it out in a cycle you create. 

There are many, many different relaxation and meditation techniques.  During biofeedback you can see the body relax and learn the best strategy for you!

2. Reduce stress in your life

Negative feelings like depression, anxiety, stress, and anger can increase the body’s sensitivity to pain. By learning to better manage stress, you may find some relief from chronic pain.

There are many techniques that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. A therapist can review these strategies and help you determine what helps you reduce stress the most.  Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a proven intervention to teach an individual to better manage their stress and their pain.

3. Exercise

Exercising causes the release of brain chemicals called Endorphins that help improve your mood while also blocking pain signals. Exercise also strengthens muscles, which helps prevent re-injury and further pain. Plus, exercise can help keep your weight down, reduce heart disease risk, and control blood sugar levels.

The Takeaway

It is important to realize that pain isn’t necessarily something over which we have no control. We are able to combat pain in numerous ways mentioned such as meditation, changing our negative attitudes and thoughts, reducing stress, and exercising.  At Pathways Neuropsychology are here to help you learn the techniques that work best for you!

LET’S GET STARTED

The post What is Chronic Pain and how can you combat it? appeared first on Pathways Neuropsychology Associates.


Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
What is Chronic Pain and how can you combat it?

How Cognitive Behavior Therapy May Help Suicidal People

/0 Comments/in , /by

How Cognitive Behavior Therapy May Help Suicidal People

COGMED - Cognitive Behavior Therapy

How Cognitive Behavior Therapy May Help Suicidal People


Excerpt from New York Times. read the full story here

In Cognitive Behavior Therapy (C.B.T.), clear steps are intended to help build hope, solve problems and make a plan to avoid relapses.

After a week of devastating news about suicide, there has been much discussion of the need for people who may be thinking of ending their lives to reach out for help. But some people who are suffering may be skeptical that therapy could make a difference.

Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy, or C.B.T., in treating suicidal individuals and decreasing subsequent attempts. A 2016 review of 15 randomized controlled trialsfound that C.B.T. “is a useful strategy in the prevention of suicidal cognitions and suicidal behaviors.”

Throughout my career I have used this method to treat patients with many different types of problems and diagnoses, including suicidal behavior — which may occur along with problems like depression, addictions, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Medications can be very effective in treating certain diagnoses, but those medications may take some time to take effect. Therefore the suicidality must be addressed before the medications will be helpful. Sometimes individuals will need to be hospitalized in order to keep them safe until C.B.T. or medications can help. But inpatient treatment is not necessary for everyone who has suicidal thoughts.

Excerpt from New York Times. read the full story here

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with brain injuries. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.

LET’S GET STARTED
Related Articles

The post How Cognitive Behavior Therapy May Help Suicidal People appeared first on Pathways Neuropsychology Associates.


Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
How Cognitive Behavior Therapy May Help Suicidal People

How Can Birds help with Dyslexia Research?

/0 Comments/in , /by

How Can Birds help with Dyslexia Research?

How Can Birds help with Dyslexia Research

How Can Birds help with Dyslexia Research?

Currently, there is a study being conducted through the University of Virginia’s Brain Institute to develop a model for dyslexia and other language disorders through birds. Specifically, the Zebra Finch.  Unlike some other animals, Zebra Finches learn how to communicate through song from their parents. In the same manner, these Finches are similar to infants, as their auditory system is shaped by exposure to adult speech. 

What is The Study Trying To Accomplish?

Dyslexia, a disorder which affects millions of children, is often characterized by a difficulty with reading. The goal of the study is to be able to observe how changing the birds genes can alter how the finches brain processes sound.  There are several genes that have been implicated in the development of dyslexia and other speech disorders. Changes in one of the genes called KIAA0319 has been associated with an increase in the likelihood of developing dyslexia.

Coming to an understanding of how these changes affect the Finch, we can start coming to conclusions on how we as human being process sound. Also, we can further our understanding of how people develop dyslexia. 

The Bottom Line

This new research is exciting because it can help further understanding of how someone may get Dyslexia.  A study like this can also try and apply its model in a therapeutic setting. However, the research is still being conducted. Although an exciting and promising study, we do not know how different genes in proteins associated with dyslexia-related disorders will manifest in these birds. 

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with Dyslexia. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.

LET’S GET STARTED

The post How Can Birds help with Dyslexia Research? appeared first on Pathways Neuropsychology Associates.


Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
How Can Birds help with Dyslexia Research?

ADHD Connection to Other Mental Health Conditions?

/0 Comments/in , , /by

ADHD Connection to Other Mental Health Conditions?

ADHD Connection to Other Mental Health Conditions

ADHD Connection to Other Mental Health Conditions?

It is common for children with ADHD to have difficulties in managing their emotions and organizing themselves. For example, they tend to get into a trouble at school and elsewhere because of their inability to inhibit behavior or think through their actions before reacting.

Current science appears to indicate that the psychological wiring of the brain of an individual with ADHD is different from that of an unaffected individual. For instance, imbalances in the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain are commonly seen in patients with ADHD.

Large-scale trials with samples from diverse geographical populations are being conducted in order to come to the proper conclusion on the patterns of ADHD, its prognosis, and its association with other concurrent mental health conditions.

ADHD Linked to Other Conditions

Currently, data suggests that more than 60% of children with ADHD are reported to have one or more co-existing mental health conditions. This diagnosis is determined through a comprehensive evaluation of all the symptoms, medical history, and various psychometric tests in order to help the psychiatrist reach a conclusive diagnosis of ADHD and any other connected conditions.

There is a general understanding of the common conditions that coincide with ADHD. These conditions fall under mood disorders, conduct issues, and learning problems. Mood disorders include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Conduct issues include Conduct disorder which is considered to be extreme and unreasonable aggression. The other related conduct issue is Tourettes. Learning problems include dysgraphia which is difficulty in writing, dyslexia difficulty in reading due to a weakness with phonological processing, and dyscalculia which is difficulty with processing numbers.

The Bottom Line

It is important to understand how ADHD is linked to other conditions and to be on top of your children’s ADHD treatment. This is not to say that ADHD causes other conditions, but there does seem to be a correlation. There is nothing harmful in being cautious in something like this. Luckily, that’s where we come in. Here at Pathways, we can make the process easier for you. We specialize in helping diagnose, treat, and create a comprehensive plan to help deal with ADHD and other related issues. 

Dr. Gordon is an experienced ADHD expert. He is devoted to helping you learn more about ADHD and find solutions for each individual’s needs. Please feel free to contact us for any concerns or questions regarding ADHD about yourself, or a loved one.

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with ADHD. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.

LET’S GET STARTED

The post ADHD Connection to Other Mental Health Conditions? appeared first on Pathways Neuropsychology Associates.


Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
ADHD Connection to Other Mental Health Conditions?

How Biofeedback Can Help Treat ADHD

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

How Biofeedback Can Help Treat ADHD

biofeedback - Psychologists | Toms River, Manahawkin, Freehold, NJ

How Biofeedback Can Help Treat ADHD

What is Biofeedback?

Biofeedback is a treatment that helps patients learn to control bodily processes such as muscle tension, blood pressure, or heart rate. It has been used to treat problems like high blood pressure, muscle tension and anxiety.

The way a Biofeedback session works is the therapist attaches electrodes to the patient’s skin, and these send information to a monitoring box. The therapist views the measurements on the monitor, and, through trial and error, identifies a range of mental activities and relaxation techniques that can help regulate the patient’s bodily processes.

How can it be used to treat ADHD?

When used for ADHD, a device reads a child’s brain wave activity and sends feedback via a game-like challenge. Some claim this process can train the brain to behave differently and reduce ADHD symptoms.  Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that is mainly used to help treat children who have ADHD.

Biofeedback is also an excellent tool for helping individuals manage their stress and anxiety.  The challenges that often accompany ADHD can often bring increased stress to both the individual with ADHD and their family.  With biofeedback the individual can actually ‘see’ their level of stress or arousal and using the expert guidance of the therapist learn the most effective strategy to lower this stress/arousal in the body.

Here at Pathways we specialize in helping diagnose, treat, and create a comprehensive plan to help deal with ADHD and other related issues. Join our mailing list and you will receive free mp3’s with relaxation strategies so you can start practicing your stress management and incorporate relaxation training into your life now!

.cc-input-type-hidden, .has_errors .cc_intro { display:none } html body #cc_form_1 .cc_success { margin:0!important; padding:10px; color: #ffffff!important; } html body #cc_form_1 { line-height: 1; } html body #cc_form_1 ol, html body #cc_form_1 ul { list-style: none; margin:0; padding:0; } html body #cc_form_1 li { list-style: none; } html body #cc_form_1 blockquote, html body #cc_form_1 q { quotes: none; } html body #cc_form_1 blockquote:before, html body #cc_form_1 blockquote:after, html body #cc_form_1 q:before, html body #cc_form_1 q:after { content: ”; content: none; } html body #cc_form_1 :focus { outline: 0; } html body #cc_form_1 .req { cursor: help; } html body #cc_form_1 { background: none transparent; padding: 15px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; -webkit-background-clip: border-box; -moz-background-clip: border-box; background-clip:border-box; background-origin: border-box; -webkit-background-origin: border-box; -moz-background-origin: border-box; border: solid #f4f4f4 1px; -moz-border-radius: 0px 0px; -webkit-border-radius: 0px 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px; width: 100%; max-width: 100%; color: #ffffff!important; font-family: inherit!important; font-size: !important; text-align: left!important; } html body #cc_form_1 * { font-size: ; } html body #cc_form_1 select { max-width: 100%; } .kws_input_fields { text-align: left; } html body #cc_form_1 li { margin:.5em 0; } html body #cc_form_1 ul label { margin: 0; padding:0; line-height:1; cursor: pointer; } html body #cc_form_1 input.t { margin: 0; padding:.3em; line-height:1.1; -moz-border-radius: 2px 2px; -webkit-border-radius: 2px 2px; border-radius: 2px 2px 2px 2px; font-family: inherit; max-width: 95%; } html body #cc_form_1 ::-webkit-input-placeholder { color: #bbb; } html body #cc_form_1 :-moz-placeholder { color: #bbb; } html body #cc_form_1 ::-moz-placeholder { color: #bbb; } html body #cc_form_1 :-ms-input-placeholder { color: #bbb; } html body #cc_form_1 .cc_intro, html body #cc_form_1 .cc_intro * { font-family: inherit; margin:0; padding:0; line-height:1; color: #ffffff; } html body #cc_form_1 .cc_intro * { padding: .5em 0; margin: 0; } html body #cc_form_1 .cc_intro { padding-bottom:0.25em; } html body #cc_form_1 .kws_input_container { padding-top: .75em; } html body #cc_form_1 label { margin-bottom:0.25em; text-align: ; color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px!important; font-family: inherit; display:block; } html body #cc_form_1 .cc_lists li { text-indent: -1.25em; padding-left: 1.4em; } html body #cc_form_1 .submit { display:block; padding-top: .75px; clear:both; float:left; } html body #cc_form_1 label.kws_bold { font-weight:bold; } label.kws_bold input { font-weight:normal; } html body #cc_form_1 label.kws_italic { font-style:italic; } label.kws_italic input { text-style:normal; } .kws_clear { clear:both; }

Sign Up & Receive FREE Relaxation MP3’s!


Dr. Gordon is an experienced ADHD expert. He is devoted to helping you learn more about ADHD and find solutions for each individual’s needs. Please feel free to contact us for any concerns or questions regarding ADHD about yourself, or a loved one.

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with ADHD. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.

LET’S GET STARTED

The post How Biofeedback Can Help Treat ADHD appeared first on Pathways Neuropsychology Associates.


Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
How Biofeedback Can Help Treat ADHD