Pain and Parkinsons Disease

Although the topic of pain and Parkinsons disease may have come up before, we haven’t gotten yet a satisfactory answer. The question is whether you have found pain to be a significant symptom in people with other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and if so, what they do to find relief.

The second question is whether in people who take L-dopa, it is common for them to feel worse 20-45 min after taking the medication before finding relief.  Any suggestions or information you have on these two related questions would be very much appreciated.

Pain and Parkinsons Disease

Yes, I have received many reports from people who report pain is a very troubling symptom for them among others. First, from what I have learned, people get relief from pain by meditating. Meditation allows them to override all of the thinking that surrounds the “meaning” of the pain. We all put a head on top of our head, which makes the experience worse. That is one reason I have been motivated to record the weekly series of meditations for Parkinsons Recovery members.

Second, my observation is that there is typically a thought form that is buried beneath the pain. Once that is cleared and released, the pain resolves.

Third, a source of the pain is often unreleased trauma. Using one body therapy or another (we use craniosacral) helps with releasing trauma. Other therapies are helpful as well. Once the trauma is released, the pain resolves (if trauma is the primary causal factor)

Timing of Medications

As for the timing of the medications – this is a tough one. Your doctor of course is the go to resource when it comes to questions about medications.  Most people tell me that when they work closely with their doctor, they can adjust their medications so that the down time is minimized. People I have interviewed tell me they experience symptom relief after taking medications, not pain.

I wonder about the reason for the emergence of pain before the meditations kick in. Perhaps the body is in a suspended state of withdrawal until the new dose starts to work. Perhaps there is a temporary flare up of inflammation