Posted by Q (198.64.206.92) on January 31, 2000 at 14:30:15:
In Reply to: My question... posted by Paco on January 31, 2000 at 02:59:01:
Paco, there is a theory that says that many types of chronic pain are a distraction produced by the subconscious mind to divert the conscious mind from wandering into emotional awareness.
The mechanism is by way of the limbic system taking control over the hypothalamus and the sympathetic nervous system.
I'm not taking a position on this theory, just reporting it. The theory is based upon Freud's work, but is out of favor in today's mainstream medical circles.