Chronic pain is more than just discomfort—it’s a signal that something deeper may be out of balance in the body.
From a functional medicine perspective, chronic pain isn’t viewed as a condition to simply “manage” with medications. Instead, it’s seen as a symptom of underlying dysfunction. Our goal is to uncover why the pain is happening and what systems in the body need support for true, lasting relief.
What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than three months and persists even after the original injury or cause has healed. It can show up in many forms:
- Joint or muscle pain
- Migraines or headaches
- Nerve pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Back or neck pain
- Widespread inflammation
Rather than only focusing on where it hurts, functional medicine asks:
What is driving the pain?
We look at the whole person—body, mind, and environment—to get to the root cause.
Common Root Causes of Chronic Pain:
- Chronic inflammation – often due to diet, stress, or environmental toxins
- Gut imbalances – like leaky gut or dysbiosis
- Autoimmune reactions – where the body attacks its own tissues
- Nutrient deficiencies – magnesium, vitamin D, omega-3s, etc.
- Hormonal imbalances – especially cortisol, thyroid, or estrogen/testosterone
- Toxic burden – heavy metals, mold, or chemical exposure
- Unresolved trauma or emotional stress
We use advanced testing, comprehensive intake, and individualized care plans to help uncover and address what’s causing the pain. Treatment may include:
- Anti-inflammatory nutrition
- Targeted supplementation
- Detoxification support
- Nervous system regulation (e.g., breathwork, stress management)
- Gut healing protocols
- Movement therapy and gentle exercise
- Lifestyle and sleep optimization
Why It Works
Functional medicine views the body as one interconnected system—not separate parts. By identifying and correcting imbalances, many patients experience not only pain relief but also improved energy, mood, digestion, and overall wellness.