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Inflammation in the body can cause our memory to deteriorate. Pain is often a signal the body is not able to balance and repair. itself.

when we think about memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s, we often conjure images of the elderly in hospital gowns forgetting what day it is. We know that physical head traumas, like concussions and long covid can point to the early onset of neurological diseases. However what we often fail to realize is that the everyday pain we ignore could be a sign of active deterioration of our brain’s ability to function.

"In a population-based cohort study described in JAMA Internal Medicine, older adults with persistent pain showed more rapid memory decline and greater dementia probability compared with adults without persistent pain."

The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Daily Pain

Pain is something that can go far beyond immediate discomfort. The usual pattern is to ignore or override the unease we experience for a long time, waiting until the pain gets to a point where we finally decide to do something about it.

Pain is like a termite slowing devouring the foundation of your home. At first, the damage is imperceivable. But unless it is managed immediately the entire structure is compromised. The house analogy only goes so far, however with a house you can move or rebuild. When it comes to your brain health, once the damage progresses, it can’t easily be reversed.

A Nationwide Epidemic

Chronic pain is pervasive.

Pain affects more people in the U.S. than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined

Up to 100 million, U.S. adults live with chronic pain conditions.

Nearly 50 million people in the us suffer from severe chronic pain on a daily basis.

The Mind-Body Connection is Rooted in Science

Memory loss and cognitive decline is not front and center of our concerns, which is why it is difficult to recognize the connection of chronic back, neck or joint pain that you feel today will impact your brain health in the future.  

Perhaps the “mind-body” connection seems a bit “woo-woo” or related to activities like yoga or meditation. But modern science and mainstream medicine are taking notice and proving otherwise. Mounting evidence shows that conditions like chronic pain and systemic inflammation have far-reaching, long-term consequences on our overall health, including our neurological function. 

Treat Your Pain and Protect Your Memory

Treating your pain isn’t just about feeling better, it is also preservation and prevention of cognitive decline.

Acupuncture is highly effective at reducing systemic inflammation that contributes to chronic pain and brain function. This is addressing the imbalances that interfere with healing and longevity.

If you have been experiencing chronic pain or recurring pain, addressing it now is one of the greatest gifts you can do for your whole self.