What if changing the way your nervous system responds to stress and pain could help you experience less suffering?

In this episode of Beyond The Pain, Leigh Brandon speaks with chronic pain survivor, author and certified biofeedback practitioner Cindy Perlin about her remarkable journey from debilitating back pain to discovering the power of biofeedback and the mind-body connection.

Cindy shares how her life changed when she began to understand that fear, worry and emotional stress could influence her experience of pain. After years of unsuccessful treatments, she discovered biofeedback and learned how relaxation, self-awareness and changes in her physiological responses could support her recovery.

We explore why pain isn't always a reliable indicator of tissue damage, how the nervous system can amplify pain signals, and why understanding the relationship between thoughts, emotions and physical sensations can be an important part of overcoming persistent pain.

Cindy also discusses a separate fourteen-year struggle with foot pain, highlighting why chronic pain is complex and why psychological and physical factors both deserve consideration.

If you're living with persistent pain and feel frustrated by treatments that haven't worked, this conversation offers a different perspective on understanding pain and becoming an active participant in your recovery.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Cindy's personal journey through years of debilitating chronic back pain.

• How Norman Cousins' book changed her perspective on healing.

• What biofeedback is and how it can help people regulate physiological responses.

• The relationship between fear, stress, the nervous system and pain.

• Why pain is not always a direct measure of physical damage.

• How relaxation and self-awareness can influence pain perception.

• The importance of recognising potential physical contributors to persistent pain.

• Why a whole-person approach may offer more options for recovery.

Connect with Cindy Perlin

Alternative Pain Treatment Directory:
https://www.paintreatmentdirectory.com

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/thetruthaboutchronicpaintreatments/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@PainTreatmentDirectory

Connect with Leigh Brandon

Beyond The Pain book:
https://amzn.to/4y2HVWg

Book a consultation:
https://www.bodychek.co.uk/consultation

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/beyondthepainpod/

🎁 ART NOVEMBER SPECIAL OFFER

If you're based near Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, you can book an Active Release Techniques (ART) session at my previous treatment rate until 30th November 2026.

Discount code: ARTNov

Book here:
https://bodychekschedule.as.me/ART1Hour

If you found this conversation valuable, please follow Beyond The Pain, share the episode with someone who may benefit, and leave a review to help more people discover a different approach to understanding persistent pain.