Lasting relief is possible.
Chronic pain and illness are often neuroplastic, and science shows they can be treated and relieved.
Explore the science
Resources for clinicians →
A neuroplastic condition can contribute to your symptoms either with or without an established medical diagnosis.
That does not mean your pain or other symptoms are imagined, voluntary, or caused solely by stress, or emotions. Rather, your nervous system can become sensitized or remain protective after illness, injury, or difficult life experiences—often alongside other medical factors.
“I was trapped in chronic pain. I did MRIs, physical therapy, medications, every foam roller and treatment imaginable. Nothing worked. I came across these resources and live pain-free today.”
— Monica S.
3-minute self-assessment
Could your symptoms be neuroplastic?
A set of questions to see whether your symptoms fit the neuroplastic pattern, and what to do next. Free, private, and takes about three minutes.
The science of pain is shifting.
Watch the science of chronic pain and other symptoms explained by scientists, clinicians, and patients.
1 in 3
adults (over 80 million Americans) experience neuroplastic symptoms.
Source: ATNS National Survey.
%
drop in pain in one study of people with years of chronic pain, after eight sessions of neuroplastic recovery therapy.
Source: Ashar et al., JAMA Psychiatry (2021).
This site is brought to you by ATNS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded and led by volunteer clinicians and patients who recovered.
Your symptoms might be neuroplastic if…
Tests and scans don't fully explain your symptoms
Your symptoms are stronger or last longer than your diagnosis would predict
Symptoms move around, shift, or come and go
Symptoms flare with stress or strong emotions
You have several symptoms that don't seem related
You tend to be driven, responsible, or hard on yourself
The usual treatments haven't brought lasting relief
Neuroplastic symptoms are wide-ranging, showing up as everything from back pain to irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue and many more.
Stories of Recovery
Recovering from back pain
One person’s recovery from back pain, in their own words.
Recovering from migraines
One person’s recovery from migraines, in their own words.
There’s a better way forward.
You’ve probably tried a lot, and maybe with little to no relief. This often happens because the treatment is aimed at the body, while the symptoms are coming from the brain’s nerve pathways.
Neuroplastic recovery therapies work where the symptoms start — in the brain. Approaches like Pain Reprocessing Therapy and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy have helped many people find long-lasting relief and get their lives back.
“I had 23 years of chronic pain. Five years ago I couldn’t walk more than three blocks. Now I hike 12 miles, do salsa, and play pickleball.
I have my life back.”
— Jenny F.
You don’t have to do this alone.
Find Professional Support
Browse practitioners and coaches trained in neuroplastic recovery, online or near you.
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Connect with others who understand, and unlock member Q&As, exclusive monthly events, a forum, and ongoing community.