Overcoming Chronic Pain in Denver with comprehensive care at Axon
Chronic pain is more than just a symptom—it’s a complex condition that affects every aspect of a person’s life. Whether it stems from injury, inflammation, nerve dysfunction, or systemic imbalances, chronic pain can persist long after the original cause has healed. At Axon Integrative Health, we take a comprehensive brain-body-mind approach to pain relief, combining functional neurology, physical medicine, and functional medicine to target the root causes of pain and break the cycle for lasting recovery.
From altered biomechanics to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and fluoroquinolone toxicity, our integrative strategies aim to restore function, regulate pain pathways, and optimize overall health—because no chronic pain stands a chance against a truly comprehensive plan.
Understanding Pain: Nociception vs. Nociplastic Pain
Pain is not a singular experience—it can arise from different pathways within the nervous system. To effectively treat chronic pain, it is essential to understand these mechanisms:
- Nociceptive Pain: This type of pain occurs in response to tissue damage or inflammation. When injury or irritation is present, specialized nerve receptors called nociceptors send signals to the brain, triggering a pain response. Examples include pain from a sprained ankle, post-surgical pain, or inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
- Nociplastic Pain: In some cases, pain persists even after the original injury has healed. This is known as nociplastic pain—where the nervous system itself becomes sensitized and overactive. Conditions like fibromyalgia, CRPS, and post-viral pain syndromes fall into this category. Here, the pain is no longer directly caused by tissue damage but by dysfunction in how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals.
Chronic pain often involves both types of pain, making it essential to address both the structural and neurological factors contributing to the patient’s symptoms.
The Role of Inflammation and Metabolic Dysfunction in Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is not solely a nervous system issue—it is also driven by inflammation and metabolic imbalances.
1: Inflammation and Pain Sensitization:
Persistent inflammation increases the sensitivity of pain receptors, amplifying pain signals. This can occur due to:
- Ongoing tissue damage
- Autoimmune dysfunction
- Gut dysbiosis and systemic inflammation
- Toxins and environmental stressors
2: Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Metabolism:
Cells need energy to heal and regulate pain. When mitochondrial function is impaired—whether from chronic stress, toxicity (such as fluoroquinolone antibiotics), or nutrient deficiencies—cellular energy drops, and the body’s ability to repair itself is compromised. This leads to prolonged pain cycles and poor tissue recovery.
By addressing these underlying metabolic factors, we can restore cellular function and reduce pain at its source.
Our Integrative Approach to Chronic Pain Management
At Axon Integrative Health, we recognize that chronic pain is never one-dimensional. Our approach integrates functional neurology, physical medicine, and functional medicine to treat the whole patient—not just their symptoms.
1. Functional Neurology: Rewiring Pain Pathways
Chronic pain alters the brain’s pain-processing centers. Using targeted neurorehabilitation techniques, we retrain the brain to regulate pain signals more effectively. This may include:
- Neurofeedback and vestibular rehabilitation to improve sensory integration
- Visual and balance therapies to restore cortical function
- Peripheral nerve stimulation to calm overactive pain circuits
2. Physical Medicine: Restoring Biomechanical Integrity
Altered movement patterns and structural imbalances perpetuate pain cycles. Our physical medicine approach focuses on restoring optimal biomechanics through:
- Chiropractic care for spinal and joint alignment
- Soft tissue therapies to release myofascial restrictions
- Therapeutic exercise to improve strength, stability, and coordination 3. Functional Medicine: Addressing Inflammation and Metabolism
Chronic pain is often sustained by systemic dysfunction. We address the biochemical drivers of pain through:
- Comprehensive lab testing to identify inflammation, toxicity, and nutrient deficiencies
- IV therapy (including phosphatidylcholine, ALA, and specialized nutrient infusions) to restore cellular energy and detoxification
- Gut-brain axis support to reduce inflammation and improve immune regulation
Conditions We Treat: From Complex Pain Syndromes to Systemic Toxicity
No matter how complex the pain condition, our integrative protocols are designed to address both the cause and the consequences. Some of the chronic pain syndromes we treat include:
- Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Joint, spine, and soft tissue pain resulting from trauma or repetitive strain.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A debilitating brain signaling/ nerve disorder marked by severe, burning pain and sensory disturbances.
- Fluoroquinolone Toxicity: Neuromuscular and mitochondrial dysfunction caused by fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
- Neuropathic Pain: Pain from nerve injury or dysfunction, including post-surgical pain and diabetic neuropathy.
- Fibromyalgia and Central Sensitization: Widespread pain due to hypersensitivity in the nervous system.
Why a Comprehensive, Personalized Approach Works
Pain is never “just in your head”—it is a real, multifaceted experience that requires a whole-body strategy. At Axon Integrative Health, our multidisciplinary approach is designed to:
- Identify and treat the root causes of pain
- Rewire the nervous system to reduce pain signaling
- Restore optimal function through metabolic and biomechanical correction
By addressing the full spectrum of factors contributing to chronic pain, we empower our patients to reclaim their lives and find lasting relief.
If you’re ready to move beyond symptom management and find true healing, schedule a consultation with our team today—because no chronic pain stands a chance when we work together.
