Free Yourself from Brain Fog with Chronic Pain Relief

If you suffer from chronic pain, it may be hard to sleep, eat, work, exercise, and spend time with friends and family. Over time, you may notice that it also becomes harder to concentrate and that you may have lapses in memory or periods of disjointed thought. This condition is called brain fog. Brain fog is a term that encompasses a wide range of symptoms that often occur as the result of chronic pain or illness. The most common brain fog symptoms are trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, fatigue, confusion, trouble finding words, and disorientation. Luckily, there is a safe, all-natural way to find relief from brain fog by first treating the underlying condition causing your chronic pain.

What Causes Brain Fog?

While scientists don’t fully understand all of the reasons for brain fog, they do know that it can occur as a side effect or long-term complication from chronic pain or illness. Often, it is caused by a number of concurrent conditions that are all taking a severe toll on the body. The most common causes of brain fog are:

• Sleep disorders, poor sleep quality, or chronic lack of sleep
• Chronic stress and anxiety
• Infection
• Autoimmune diseases
• Hormonal changes
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Diabetes
• Hypoglycemia
• Side effects from certain medications like antihistamines and antidepressants
• Poor diet or nutritional deficiencies
• Severe dehydration
• Depression
• Aging
• Food allergies or sensitivities

The Relationship Between Chronic Pain and Brain Fog

Brain fog and chronic pain are often two sides of the same coin. Chronic pain can influence every system in your body and over-activate your brain. This can eventually cause your brain to become overwhelmed and lead to concentration and memory problems. As a response to chronic pain, your body may alter the levels of chemicals in your brain, like endorphins and cortisol, which can impact your brain function. Because chronic pain also disrupts sleep, your brain may not be able to reset properly. This can lead to mental fatigue, physical fatigue, and memory and concentration issues. Chronic pain can also cause acute stress and depression, which may eventually also lead to brain fog. Plus, the medications used to treat stress and depression can affect cognitive function and memory.

Chronic Pain Conditions Associated With Brain Fog

While almost any pain condition or chronic illness has the potential to cause sleep problems, changes in diet and weight, mood swings, stress and anxiety, and depression, some are more closely linked to brain fog than others. The chronic pain conditions that are most commonly associated with brain fog are:

• Arthritis – Severe or worsening arthritis can cause mental confusion, impaired focus, and memory issues. This happens most often in inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
• Cluster and Migraine Headache Disorders – Chronic headaches and migraines can affect sleep, diet, and mood. Many people who have severe recurring headaches and migraines also experience cognitive issues like brain fog, either before or after an attack or during an attack.
• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome – FBSS causes severe and chronic back pain after spinal surgery. Chronic pain combined with poor sleep and lack of physical activity can cause cognitive problems and brain fog.
• Fibromyalgia – Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain throughout the body. Fibro fog or brain fog can occur when that pain takes a toll on the brain and other bodily systems.
• Hypothyroidism – Hypothyroidism occurs due to an underactive thyroid, which can cause a major hormone imbalance. Over time, this can increase your risk of brain fog, trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, and mental fatigue.
• Neuropathy – Neuropathy often occurs as a complication of diabetes and can cause widespread pain and discomfort throughout the body. Eventually, it can impact sleep, increase stress, and cause side effects like brain fog.
• Sciatica – Sciatica symptoms can impact the function of your brain, making it hard to concentrate, remember things, and sleep properly. As your brain struggles to make sense of pain signals sent by your nerves, it may become fatigued and overwhelmed.

Treating Brain Fog by Addressing Chronic Pain

A doctor who specializes in holistic, all-natural therapies can design a treatment plan that addresses your physical, mental, and emotional health. They will start by addressing the root cause of your brain fog, whether it is chronic pain, illness, or injury. Some of the most effective treatment options are:

• Lifestyle Changes – Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes that address the root cause of your pain, improve your sleep habits and diet, restore energy levels, and help you kick unhealthy habits. All of these changes can give your body a chance to regroup and begin the healing process.
• Self Care – Allow yourself a proper break by relying on friends or family to step in and help. Try meditating, calling a friend or loved one, taking a power nap, doing something creative, or going outdoors.
• Therapy – Your doctor may also recommend that you explore therapy designed specifically for chronic pain. This can help you reduce your reliance on prescription painkillers, which may be directly contributing to your brain fog symptoms. They can also help you reduce stress, improve your sleep, and address mood swings and depression.

Get Help for Brain Fog With Texas Institute of Pain & Spine

You don’t have to face chronic pain or brain fog on your own. At Texas Institute of Pain and Spine, we specialize in finding natural, long-term solutions for chronic pain and brain fog. We can help you better understand how one condition contributes to the other and offer safe, effective treatment options. We take a holistic approach to treatment, helping you improve every area of your life so that you can restore overall health, mood, and energy and return to living a life you love. Call now or reach out to us online to learn more about treatment options for brain fog in Pearland, TX.