THE CONNECTION BETWEEN
THE BRAIN, EMOTIONS & CHRONIC PAIN THROUGH NEUROPLASTICITY
THE CHRONIC PAIN YOU'RE FEELING -
COULD IT BE AN EMOTIONAL INJURY?
Aches aren’t always from physical trauma, Dr Howard Schubiner tells Elisabeth Perlman
Monday July 27 2026, 8.00pm, The Times
A recent article published in The Times (27 July 2026), written by Elisabeth Perlman, explores the work of Dr Howard Schubiner, Director of the Mind Body Medicine Center at Ascension Providence Hospital in Michigan. His research highlights the powerful connection between the brain, emotions and chronic physical symptoms, offering a new perspective on conditions that often remain unexplained by conventional medicine.
For many years, chronic pain has been viewed primarily through a biomedical lens, with treatment focused on identifying structural damage through scans, medication or surgery. However, for many people living with persistent back pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pelvic pain, TMJ disorders, dizziness or tinnitus, these approaches do not always provide lasting relief. According to Dr Schubiner, in some cases the symptoms are not caused by ongoing injury to the body but by learned neural pathways within the brain. The pain is real, but its source lies in how the brain has learned to interpret danger and continue producing protective responses long after the original threat has passed.
The Brain Does Not Distinguish Between Physical and Emotional Pain
"One of the most fascinating findings in neuroscience is that emotional pain and physical pain activate many of the same regions of the brain"
This means that unresolved emotional experiences can influence the nervous system in ways that create genuine physical symptoms. The brain’s primary role is to protect us, and when it perceives danger—whether physical or emotional—it can generate pain and other symptoms as part of that protective response.
Why MRI Scans Don’t Always Explain
Chronic Pain
"The article also refers to research showing that many people with abnormalities on MRI scans experience no pain at all"
Studies have found that age-related changes such as disc degeneration are extremely common, even in people with completely healthy backs. This suggests that structural findings do not always explain why someone continues to experience persistent pain.
When the Brain’s Alarm System Becomes Overprotective
"Dr Schubiner describes the brain as having an internal alarm system. Like a smoke detector, it is designed to keep us safe. However, sometimes that alarm becomes over-sensitive and continues to signal danger even when no real threat exists."
Over time, the brain can learn to associate everyday activities, places or situations with pain. Simply anticipating a movement or stressful event may be enough to trigger symptoms because the brain predicts danger before it happens. This process is known as predictive processing.
THE SEVEN RESPONSES
THAT CAN KEEP THE PAIN GOING
These reactions are completely understandable. However, they can reinforce the brain’s danger response, making symptoms more persistent over time.
According to Dr Schubiner, many people unintentionally reinforce chronic symptoms through seven common reactions:
Fear of the symptoms.
Focusing on them constantly.
Fighting or resisting them.
Feeling frustrated by them.
Trying to constantly figure them out.
Repeatedly trying to fix them.
Feeling hopeless or discouraged.
EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCES & PERSONALITY PATTERNS
The article also discusses how adverse childhood experiences, ongoing stress, perfectionism and excessive self-criticism may increase the likelihood of developing neuroplastic symptoms.
This does not mean that symptoms are “all in the mind.” Rather, it highlights how emotional experiences can influence the nervous system and the way the brain processes safety and danger.
FROM UNDERSTANDING TO TRANSFORMATIONS:
HOW THE
NEUROREINVENT METHOD®
CAN HELP
The mind and body are Inseparable
The research featured in The Times reinforces something I have witnessed throughout my work with clients: the mind and body are inseparable.
Understanding the science is an important first step, but awareness alone does not always create change.
The NeuroReinvent Method has been developed to help individuals identify and transform the subconscious emotional patterns, beliefs and neurological programming that may be keeping the nervous system locked in a state of protection.
How can
Neuroreinvent® Help
Identify hidden emotional conflicts that may be contributing to persistent symptoms.
Regulate an overactive nervous system.
Release subconscious patterns that no longer serve them.
Develop healthier emotional responses to stress.
Build new neural pathways associated with safety, resilience and wellbeing.
Create lasting change from the inside out.
Rather than simply Managing Symptoms
The NeuroReinvent Method focuses on addressing the emotional and neurological patterns that may be influencing how the brain and body communicate.
Every person’s journey is unique, and this approach is designed to complement—not replace—appropriate medical care. It is particularly valuable for those who have been told that “everything looks normal” yet continue to experience persistent symptoms that impact their quality of life.
If you have been living with chronic pain, unexplained physical symptoms or recurring health challenges despite medical investigations, it may be time to explore whether your nervous system has learned patterns that can also be changed.
Begin Your NeuroReinvent Journey,
If this article resonates with you, you may be recognising patterns that go deeper than the symptoms themselves.
The NeuroReinvent Method® helps you with:
Depression & Anxiety
Unlock your Prosperity
Unhealed Grief
Renew your Love Life
Overcome Fear
Mental Clarity
Stress & Burnout
Emotional Time Machine
Break Free from Chronic Pain
Dream Therapy
Unlock your Self-Esteem & Confidence
Your symptoms may be your body’s way of communicating.
The question is: Are you ready to understand the message behind them?
BOOK YOUR FREE DISCOVERY CALL
WHEN WE HELP THE BRAIN FEEL SAFE AGAIN
WE CREATE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR NEW RESPONSIBILITIES
GREATER RESILIENCE AND A HEALTHIER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
"MIND AND BODY"
Written by Nidya Caro
Founder of the NeuroReinvent Method®
Nidya Caro specialises in neuroscience-based transformation, NLP, Biodecoding and subconscious reprogramming, helping individuals understand and transform the emotional and neurological patterns that influence their lives.
Ready to start changing your Life?
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Heal Emotional Blocks.
Reinvent Your Identity.
Transform Your Future.
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