Q&A: Is adopting a bad posture to avoid pain, a mistake?

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Question The main source of pain for me is walking, I adopted a crooked posture to minimize it. Even so, bent over, after about two minutes walking the pain is intolerable. I now realize that bending over to try to avoid pain tells my brain that it is succeeding in frightening me. I am also depriving myself of the opportunity to tell it to stop it at once. I now stand up straight and walk. I only do this at home, because I can only do it in small doses. I hope I am sending the right message to my brain. Do you agree that adopting bad posture to avoid pain is a great mistake?

Answer by Audrey Berdeski, DC

Audrey Berdeski, DC Audrey Berdeski's Profile Page / Survey Response

Based on what Dr. Sarno says, standing and walking could be your triggers. Your unconscious mind does not want you to stand up straight and walk. You are exactly right that your brain is succeeding in frightening you, and telling your unconscious mind that you will not allow it to control you this way is a great start. Do some journaling exercises as Dr. Sarno prescribes. You can consciously tell your unconscious mind that you will not let it control you any longer. Adopting bad posture to avoid pain is what your unconscious wants you to do. Getting to the unconscious motivation for this through journaling and writing exercises, as well as talking to your unconscious mind will stop it from controlling you this way. Most importantly while you begin these exercises, remember to be kind to yourself. -- It is important to recognize that no information on this wiki can be considered a specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. Reading information here does not create a doctor/patient or other professional relationship between you and the answering professional. As always, you should consult with your physicians and counselors regarding new symptoms and any changes that you might make in medications or activities.

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