Gain a deeper understanding of how to diagnose and treat neuroplastic pain and illness
Practitioner Resources
Neuroplastic Symptom Practitioner Questionnaire
How to Talk to Patients about Neuroplastic Symptoms
Frequently asked questions
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They are pain or illness caused not by disease or injury but rather by stress, trauma, emotions, or other life challenges.
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They can appear as pain, fatigue, digestive issues, headaches, and many other physical conditions. It is common for these symptoms to move around the body, to have more than one at a time, and to last for years.
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The more questions to which you answer “Yes” on our 12 Question Quiz, the more likely it is that your pain or illness have a neuroplastic cause.
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Yes, stress and emotional factors can trigger or worsen real pain or illness. A mild version of the process is the way a tense situation can lead to feeling a “knot” in your abdomen or a tough day can cause a headache.
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Neuroplastic symptoms are driven by altered nerve pathways in the brain rather than the structural damage or disease that can be seen with medical tests.
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No, the symptoms are just as real as pain or illness caused by damage or disease. The good news is that successful treatment is available.
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First, medical tests rule out organ disease or structural damage. Additional clues come from “Yes” answers in the 12 Question Quiz. Next is assessment for stress, trauma, emotions and other life challenges. Finally, the diagnosis is confirmed when treatment of those issues leads to significant improvement or complete relief.
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Treatment begins with eliminating the fear that your body is damaged. Then, uncovering stress, trauma, emotions, and other challenges leads to using strengths you already possess to reduce the impact of these issues. Research shows powerful benefits from this approach.
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Yes, research shows that a majority of people with neuroplastic symptoms improve significantly or have complete relief using the approach in the resources on this website. This is true even for people with severe, long-lasting pain or illness who have tried many other treatments.
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Yes, ongoing physical symptoms can lead to anxiety, depression, and emotional distress, creating a cycle that worsens both physical and mental health.
Textbooks
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A Diagnostic Guide for Psychophysiologic Disorders
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Psychophysiologic Disorders: Trauma Informed, Interprofessional Diagnosis and Treatment
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![Cover of 'The Chronic Pain Playbook' book, with title and subtitle, illustrations of a brain, medicine, and writing tools.]()
The Chronic Pain Playbook
Treating Teens
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Nurturing Playful Minds
By Jamie Shafir, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Mind Body Therapy & Coaching
Center 3 Week Introductory Course (free) Covers psychoeducation, tools, action planning, and parent tips. 7 Week Intensive Course (fee-based) Builds on the introductory course with deeper strategies and personalized plans. These courses are designed for children and parents. -
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Mastering the Mind-Body Connection for Teenagers
By Dr. David Schechter
Discover the powerful link between mind and body. Manage stress, balance life, and harness the placebo effect with practical tools and insights for teens. Learn how expressive writing or journaling can provide emotional insight and release.
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