102: Chronic Pain, Emotions & Neuroplasticity with Dr. Tovah Goldfine

Can emotions affect chronic pain? What does neuroplasticity have to do with persistent symptoms—and can the brain learn new pain pathways?

In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, Dr. Tovah Goldfine joins Stacy, Becky, and Alysia for a conversation about chronic pain, emotions, neuroplasticity, and the connection between the brain and body.

Dr. Tovah is a Doctor of Chiropractic and Rehabilitation who specializes in neuroplastic chronic pain, MindBody approaches, TMS (Tension Myoneural Syndrome), and brain and nervous-system training methods. Her work brings together decades of experience working with the physical body and her study of neuroplastic approaches to persistent pain.

In our conversation, Tovah explains how our understanding of the brain has changed and why neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to change and develop new pathways—has opened new conversations about persistent pain.

We explore the relationship between emotions and pain, what it means for the brain to “learn” a pain pathway, and how thoughts and emotional experiences can affect the way we feel in our bodies.

We also address an important distinction:

Talking about the brain does not mean pain isn't real.

And recognizing connections between the brain, emotions, nervous system, and physical symptoms should never become another reason to blame someone for being sick.

Tovah leaves us with a powerful idea: instead of viewing the body as something that is punishing us, what happens when we become curious about the ways it may be trying to protect us?

IN THIS EPISODE

• Can emotions affect chronic pain? • What is neuroplasticity? • How does the brain develop neural pathways? • Can the brain learn—and unlearn—pain patterns? • What is the connection between emotions and physical symptoms? • Why brain involvement doesn't make pain imaginary • How thoughts and emotions can influence our physical experience • Why Tovah believes the body protects rather than punishes • What it can mean to begin trusting your body again

ABOUT DR. TOVAH GOLDFINE

Dr. Tovah Goldfine is a Doctor of Chiropractic and Rehabilitation who specializes in neuroplastic chronic pain, MindBody approaches, TMS solutions, and brain and nervous-system training methods. She also hosts the TMS RoundTable, which brings together health professionals and people sharing recovery experiences around chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, and neuroplastic symptoms.

Visit Dr. Tovah Goldfine's official website

You are worthy of joy. Disease does not define your life. You do!

This conversation is for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.

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#ChronicPain #Neuroplasticity #MindBodyConnection #DrTovahGoldfine #AutoimmuneAdventures