Understanding Chronic Pain
Experiencing pain is a natural, protective response. It is your body’s way of telling you to stop harmful actions. But when pain lasts longer than three months, it is considered chronic pain. At this point, it is no longer primarily protective or informative, but disruptive to your life.
- Chronic pain is defined as pain present most days (or every day) for three months or longer¹.
- It does not always come from ongoing tissue damage. The brain can interpret a threat even in the absence of damage, and conversely, tissue damage may occur without strong pain signals².
- Chronic pain is common—about 1 in 5 adults live with it¹.
Why It Matters
Chronic pain is not only physical. It is shaped by how the brain interprets signals and protective patterns.
- It impacts mood, sleep, work, and overall quality of life².
- Back pain remains the leading cause of disability worldwide³.
Understanding what triggers pain and what eases it is the first step in regaining quality of life.
How To Retrain Your Brain And Break Free From Pain
Research in neuroscience shows the brain is plastic; it can adapt and change. Lifestyle choices are powerful in supporting this process:
- Stay active
- Maintain a positive mindset
- Nourish your body with proper nutrition
- Get restorative sleep
Stay Active, Even In Small Ways
Movement helps reprogram how the body processes pain. Gentle daily activity, good posture, and mobility exercises influence how safe the nervous system feels.
When movement feels too risky, motor imagery (visualizing movement) has been shown to activate the brain in similar ways to actual movement, helping it relearn safe patterns.
Gentle spinal mobility exercises or complementary care such as massage therapy can also support movement and reduce stiffness.
How Chiropractic Care for Chronic Pain Helps Reset Your Pain Response
Rewiring The Brain’s Body Map
Dr. Heidi Haavik, PhD, has published research showing that chiropractic adjustments can influence how the brain processes sensory input. In one 2024 randomized controlled trial, patients with chronic low back pain experienced both neurophysiological changes and patient-reported improvements after chiropractic care⁴.
When spinal joints move correctly, they send clearer proprioceptive signals to the brain. This helps rebuild the brain’s body map and reduces distorted pain signals⁵. Learn more about how chiropractic adjustments support your body’s ability to move freely and reduce chronic pain.
Neuroplastic Shifts In Pain Processing
Within weeks of chiropractic care, studies have shown measurable changes in brain activity (EEG, SEPs) that correspond with reduced pain interference, better sleep, and improved mood⁴.
Improved Sensorimotor Coordination
Research indicates chiropractic care can improve joint position sense, reaction times, and sensory integration, especially in older adults. This helps reduce fall risk and supports confidence in daily movement⁵.
The Santé Chiropractic Difference
At Santé Chiropractic and Wellness Centre in Orléans, Ottawa, Dr. Nathalie Beauchamp has over 25 years of clinical experience helping patients manage chronic pain.
Our approach is evidence-informed and includes:
- Chiropractic care to restore spinal function and nervous system balance
- Massage therapy
- Shockwave therapy
- Low-level laser therapy
- PEMF therapy
Each care plan is personalized to support long-term relief and better mobility.
Patient Testimony: Life After Chronic Pain
“I was dealing with daily back pain that affected everything from work to sleep to enjoying time with my family. After a few weeks of care at Santé Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, I started to notice real improvements. My sleep improved, I moved more freely, and the constant discomfort began to fade. Today I feel like I have my life back. I am more active, happier, and no longer controlled by pain. I cannot thank the team at Santé Chiropractic enough for their care and dedication.”
Your Path To Relief
Here’s a simple action plan for finding relief for chronic pain:
- Stay positive—your mindset shapes your pain response.
- Move regularly—even gentle activity helps.
- Nourish your body with healthy foods.
- Prioritize quality sleep.
- Visit your chiropractor for expert care and guidance.
If you’re in Orléans, Ottawa, don’t wait—book a consultation at Santé Chiropractic & Wellness Centre and take the first step toward lasting relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractic care help with chronic pain?
Research suggests chiropractic care may support improved spinal motion, nervous system communication, and reduced pain interference. Individual results vary.
How long does it take to see results?
Some patients notice changes within weeks, while others may require more time, depending on the condition and history of pain.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
For most people, chiropractic care is safe, drug-free, and non-invasive. Always consult with a licensed chiropractor and share your full health history.
This blog was written by Dr. Nathalie Beauchamp, chiropractor and founder of Santé Chiropractic & Wellness Centre in Orléans, Ottawa. With over 25 years of experience, she is passionate about helping patients reduce pain, improve movement, and live healthier lives through chiropractic care, education, and holistic wellness solutions.
References
- International Association for the Study of Pain. High-Impact Chronic Pain Fact Sheet. Link
- Mills S, Nicolson KP, Smith B. Chronic pain: a review of epidemiology and associated factors. Br J Anaesth. 2019. Link
- The Lancet / Global Burden of Disease. Low back pain as leading cause of disability. 2023. Link
- Haavik H, et al. Neuroplastic Responses to Chiropractic Care (Resting EEG, SEPs, PROMIS-29) in People with Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain. Brain Sci. 2024;14(11):1124. Link
- Haavik H, Murphy B. The role of spinal manipulation in addressing altered sensorimotor integration and joint position sense. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2012. Link