September is Pain Awareness Month, a time to challenge a common misconception: that pain always signals physical damage. According to Dr. Eric Anderson, a neurologist and Chief Medical Officer of Lin Health, a virtual healthcare company based in Denver, CO, sometimes the pain itself becomes the disease.
"Pain is always real, but it doesn't always mean there is ongoing damage in the body," says Dr. Anderson. "Sometimes, the brain and nervous system can become stuck in a persistent pain-alarm loop, continuing to send danger signals long after an injury has healed, or when there is no injury at all."
This phenomenon, known as central sensitization, involves the brain and nervous system amplifying pain signals. It plays a significant role in chronic nociplastic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic migraine, sciatica, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
"Think of it like a fire alarm that has become too sensitive," explains Dr. Anderson. "That high-pitched shriek is definitely real, but it may be going off when there isn't actually a fire."
The good news, according to Dr. Anderson, is that evidence-based approaches can help rewire the brain's processing of pain. "The pain is very real, and the goal is to help the nervous system become less reactive to signals that it has learned to interpret as dangerous."
Lin Health offers a brain-first approach that targets the nervous system processes contributing to persistent pain. Their medication-free virtual program combines behavioral therapy, one-on-one coaching, and structured daily modules, all delivered through an interactive app.
For Pain Awareness Month, Dr. Anderson emphasizes that understanding central sensitization is a crucial first step for those living with persistent pain. "The pain is always real, but understanding why it persists may open the door to more effective approaches to treatment."
Lin Health, founded in 2021, partners with leading health systems like Mayo Clinic and WellSpan Health to deliver multidisciplinary care that addresses the biological, behavioral, and social drivers of chronic conditions. The model integrates physician evaluation, structured behavioral pain recovery, personalized coaching, and continuous patient engagement. This approach aligns with clinical guidelines but is often inaccessible in traditional systems due to limited clinician availability and fragmented care pathways.
By targeting the nervous system, Lin Health aims to provide scalable, affordable care that is covered by insurance and focused on measurable outcomes. More information can be found at Lin.Health.
