Why Your Chronic Pain Won’t Go Away and The Hidden Cause Doctors Are Not Talking About
- Brainz Magazine
- Mar 31
- 8 min read
Dr. Osvaldo Cooley, PhD med. is an expert in body transformation, metabolic performance, and longevity. As the founder of The Elite Hub, Dr Os, helps high-performing individuals achieve visible, lasting results through advanced diagnostics, personalised recovery strategies, and specialised body contouring therapies.
Chronic pain is a global health epidemic affecting millions and deeply impacting daily life. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, 1.71 billion people worldwide suffer from musculoskeletal conditions, many leading to chronic pain. In Australia alone, 1 in 5 adults live with chronic pain, a number projected to reach 5 million by 2050.
The effects of chronic pain extend beyond physical discomfort and directly impact daily living and productivity:
Work and productivity loss: Chronic pain is the second most common cause of work absenteeism. It’s estimated that 40% of sufferers either reduce work hours or leave the workforce. This costs the Australian economy $139 billion annually in lost productivity and healthcare.
Emotional and mental health: 1 in 5 people with chronic pain also experience anxiety and depression due to the ongoing physical and emotional toll.
Daily function and quality of life: Chronic pain limits mobility and disrupts basic tasks like walking, driving, or even getting restful sleep, causing a downward spiral of inactivity and worsening health.
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The root cause of chronic pain
To effectively manage chronic pain, we must go beyond symptom relief and address the root causes, which often stem from chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. While pain is often perceived as a localized issue, such as a sore joint or muscle, the true origins of persistent, long-term pain are far more complex and systemic.
More health practitioners should understand that chronic pain is not just a mechanical problem; it’s a biochemical issue deeply connected to the body's metabolic processes and inflammatory pathways. Without correcting these internal imbalances, conventional treatments fall short, offering only temporary relief while the underlying problem continues to worsen.
Omega-3s, inflammation, and chronic pain
Omega-3 fatty acids play a direct role in regulating the body’s inflammatory pathways. Two critical biochemical markers, NF-κB and AMPk, illustrate how omega-3s influence inflammation and overall metabolic health:
1. NF-κB: The chronic disease switch
NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) is a pro-inflammatory protein that becomes overactive in people with chronic pain and systemic inflammation.
When the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is unbalanced, NF-κB activation increases, perpetuating a cycle of chronic pain, tissue damage, and inflammation.
Omega-3s suppress NF-κB, reducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α, which are major drivers of pain and cellular degeneration.
2. AMPk: The longevity and anti-inflammation pathway
AMPk (AMP-activated protein kinase) is a metabolic regulator that promotes fat metabolism, cellular repair, and anti-inflammatory responses.
A high omega-3 status increases AMPk activity, facilitating fat loss, reducing systemic inflammation, and improving pain management.
Low AMPk activity, on the other hand, is linked to obesity, chronic inflammation, and poor pain outcomes, a direct consequence of insufficient omega-3 intake.
Omega-3’s healing agents
Omega-3s also produce powerful bioactive compounds that play a direct role in resolving inflammation and protecting tissues. Two key classes are resolvins and eicosanoids:
1. Resolvins: The inflammation "off switch"
Resolvins (derived from EPA and DHA) actively shut down inflammation and promote tissue repair.
Unlike painkillers that simply block pain signals, resolvins resolve the underlying inflammation, addressing the root cause of chronic pain.
Studies show that high doses of omega-3s increase resolvin production, accelerating the resolution of joint pain, muscle soreness, and nerve inflammation.
2. Eicosanoids: Balancing pro and anti-inflammatory responses
Eicosanoids are hormone-like substances derived from both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
While omega-6-derived eicosanoids promote inflammation (necessary for acute injury responses), omega-3-derived eicosanoids produce anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
By increasing omega-3 intake, we shift the balance toward anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, reducing chronic pain and improving recovery.
A silent driver of chronic pain
For optimal health, the ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 should be approximately 3:1. However, in most individuals, particularly those suffering from chronic pain, this ratio has ballooned to 10:1 or even 16:1.
Why is this happening?
Deficient omega-3 intake: Most people simply do not consume enough omega-3-rich foods (like fatty fish) to balance their omega-6 intake from processed foods and vegetable oils.
Poor supplement quality: Many over-the-counter omega-3 supplements are ineffective because they contain low doses and are often contaminated with heavy metals and toxins, reducing their bioavailability.
This skewed ratio is more than just a dietary issue; it is a biological trigger for chronic inflammation, pain sensitivity, and metabolic dysfunction. Without addressing this imbalance, long-term pain relief remains elusive.
The inflammation-metabolic connection
Chronic inflammation is the body's long-term immune response to injury, stress, or dysfunction. While short-term inflammation is a natural healing mechanism, persistent low-grade inflammation becomes damaging over time. This "silent" inflammation triggers pain receptors, disrupts cellular function, and impairs the body's ability to heal itself.
But where does this inflammation come from? One major and often overlooked source is metabolic imbalance.
When the body's metabolic processes are compromised, several dysfunctions emerge:
Excess fat accumulation: Adipose tissue (body fat) is not inert; it actively secretes inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α, which fuel systemic inflammation. The more body fat a person carries, the more inflammation circulates through their system.
Mitochondrial dysfunction: Healthy metabolism relies on efficient energy production within the mitochondria. Chronic inflammation disrupts mitochondrial function, leading to fatigue, poor tissue repair, and heightened pain sensitivity.
Insulin resistance: Metabolic dysfunction often manifests as insulin resistance, a condition where cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar and increased inflammatory responses.
Omega-3 deficiency: As mentioned earlier, the imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids amplifies inflammation. Most people with chronic pain have an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio as high as 16:1, far from the optimal 3:1 ratio necessary for metabolic and inflammatory balance.
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Excess body fat and chronic pain
One of the earliest and most accurate indicators of chronic pain is excess body fat, not just total weight. Scientific research has consistently shown that increased fat mass contributes to:
Joint pain: Extra fat increases the mechanical load on the joints, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis.
Inflammation: Fat cells release pro-inflammatory molecules that exacerbate pain sensitivity.
Nerve irritation: Visceral fat (fat surrounding internal organs) can compress nerves and increase pain signaling.
In fact, individuals with higher levels of body fat are significantly more likely to develop musculoskeletal pain, back pain, and neuropathic conditions even before the onset of physical symptoms.
Reducing body fat, not just losing weight, is one of the most effective ways to lower systemic inflammation and alleviate chronic pain. In our previous Brainz Magazine article, we highlighted the critical distinction between weight loss and fat reduction, a concept often misunderstood in mainstream pain management.
The role of conventional treatments
Despite the growing number of sufferers, conventional treatments tend to fall short of delivering real, long-term relief. This is largely because they focus on symptom management rather than targeting the root cause. Here’s why:
1. Medications mask symptoms but don’t heal
Painkillers, whether NSAIDs or opioids, are the first line of defense for most pain sufferers. While they offer temporary relief, they do not address the root cause of pain. Long-term use comes with significant risks, including gastrointestinal issues, addiction, and increased pain sensitivity (opioid-induced hyperalgesia).
2. Physical therapy alone isn’t enough
While physical therapy can improve movement and function, it may not be sufficient for those with systemic inflammation or metabolic dysfunction. Without tackling these underlying imbalances, physical therapy is limited in its ability to deliver lasting results.
3. Surgery is invasive and not always effective
Surgery can provide relief in specific cases, but for many, it doesn’t resolve chronic pain. Up to 40% of patients who undergo back surgery continue to experience significant pain, a condition known as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. Surgery also does not address the metabolic and inflammatory contributors to pain.
An elite protocol for chronic pain relief
At The Elite Hub, we take a holistic and science-backed approach to managing chronic pain by combining advanced therapies to address metabolic dysfunction and inflammation. Here’s how our integrated protocol works:
High-dose, purity-certified omega-3s
We recognize the profound impact of omega-3 supplementation on pain management and metabolic health. However, achieving the therapeutic benefits requires more than the typical low-dose supplements found in stores.
We recommend:
4-6 grams of high-quality omega-3s daily, with a focus on EPA and DHA, the two most bioavailable and effective forms.
Sourcing purity-tested omega-3s to avoid contamination by heavy metals, PCBs, and toxins common in lower-quality supplements.
When combined with our advanced body contouring and recovery therapies, high-dose omega-3 supplementation is a cornerstone of our holistic approach to reducing inflammation, managing chronic pain, and improving metabolic performance.
By restoring a healthy omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, suppressing NF-κB, and enhancing AMPk activity, our clients not only experience pain relief but also benefit from improved mobility, faster recovery, and better long-term health outcomes.
Non-invasive physical therapy
1. Radiofrequency (RF)
Radiofrequency therapy uses electromagnetic energy to heat tissues below the skin’s surface. This targeted heat helps break down fibrotic tissue (scar tissue) that forms from chronic injuries and reduces pain by improving local blood circulation.
Benefits of deep RF therapy:
Breaks down scar tissue that restricts movement and causes pain.
Improves microcirculation, allowing oxygen and nutrients to accelerate healing.
Reduces inflammation and stimulates collagen for tissue repair.
Many patients experience noticeable relief within 3-5 sessions, with sustained improvement over a 4-8 week treatment period.
2. Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS)
When pain limits physical activity, muscle atrophy can occur rapidly. EMS delivers electrical pulses that stimulate muscle contractions, maintaining muscle strength without mechanical strain.
Why EMS is essential for pain relief:
Prevents muscle atrophy during recovery.
Strengthens muscles without joint stress, which is crucial for patients with pain-related immobility.
Increases circulation and lymphatic drainage, reducing inflammation.
Patients often report improved muscle tone and reduced stiffness after 2-4 weeks of EMS treatments.
3. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)
Delivers high levels of oxygen under high pressure to accelerate cellular repair and reduce inflammation.
Increases oxygen delivery to tissues, enhancing healing and pain relief.
Supports cell regeneration in chronic inflammation and injuries.
(Stay tuned; our next article will explore HBOT in greater depth.)
4. Compression therapy (Lymphatic drainage)
Clears metabolic waste and reduces swelling.
Enhances circulation, helping detoxify and accelerate recovery.
5. Contrast therapy
Alternates between heat and cold to improve blood flow and reduce pain sensitivity.
Speeds up recovery from muscle soreness and inflammatory conditions.
A multi-technique approach to fat reduction
At The Elite Hub, we focus on advanced, non-invasive body contouring treatments designed to target and reduce fat. By decreasing fat volume, we reduce systemic inflammation and, in turn, chronic pain. Here’s how we do it:
Fat cavitation
Uses low-frequency ultrasound waves to break down fat cell membranes.
Ideal for stubborn fat pockets that don’t respond to diet and exercise.
Most clients start noticing visible results after 3-6 sessions.
Lipo laser
Uses laser energy to penetrate and shrink fat cells.
Stimulates natural fat metabolism, enhancing fat loss in problem areas.
Provides gentle, painless fat reduction, with optimal results after 4-8 treatments.
Fat freezing (Cryolipolysis)
Freezes and destroys fat cells, which the body naturally eliminates.
Effective for localized fat deposits, especially in the abdomen and thighs.
Results become visible after 6-12 weeks, with progressive improvement over time.
By combining these methods, we offer personalized protocols to reduce body fat, lower inflammation, and alleviate pain.
The new era of chronic pain management
Chronic pain is not just a musculoskeletal issue; it’s a systemic condition linked to inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and excess body fat. Traditional methods fall short because they treat symptoms, not causes.
At The Elite Hub, our advanced, integrative approach focuses on:
Reducing body fat to lower systemic inflammation.
Enhancing muscle strength through EMS to prevent atrophy.
Stimulating cellular repair with advanced RF therapy.
Optimizing metabolic health with omega-3 supplementation.
You don’t have to live with chronic pain. Book your initial assessment with The Elite Hub today to experience the future of pain relief.
Read more from Osvaldo Cooley, PhD Med.
Osvaldo Cooley, PhD Med., Dermal Clinician & Body Contouring Specialist
Dr. Osvaldo Cooley, PhD Med, is a leading expert in body transformation, metabolic performance, and longevity. A former athlete, his promising career was cut short by injuries that sparked a passion for understanding recovery and performance optimisation. Drawing from his personal journey and extensive research, Dr. Os developed proven techniques to help men and women transform their bodies, improve fitness, and boost long-term health. As the founder of The Elite Hub, he empowers high-performing individuals to achieve visible, lasting results through advanced diagnostics and personalised strategies.
