In this episode, spine surgeon Dr. David Hanscom discusses the neurochemical basis of anxiety and how it impacts our experience of chronic pain. He outlines the manner in which our reactions to chronic pain become embedded in our neural circuitry and are reinforced by these stress chemicals. He explains why the typical strategies people use to escape from anxious thoughts - e.g., suppression - won't work. He explores different methods he has used with patients to help them create awareness of how anxiety affects chronic pain, change their reactions to chronic pain, and begin to heal and re-engage with life again. For more information, visit: https://backincontrol.com/anxiety-is-a-symptom-not-a-diagnosis