05/11/2026
Most people think pain is just “something is damaged.”
But modern pain science shows there are actually different TYPES of pain — and each one needs a different approach.
🔹 Nociceptive Pain
This is tissue-based pain.
Think:
• muscle strains
• arthritis
• tendon irritation
• acute injuries
The body is responding to mechanical stress, inflammation, or irritation.
🔹 Neuropathic Pain
This is nerve-related pain.
Think:
• sciatica
• burning pain
• tingling
• numbness
• electrical sensations
The nervous system itself is irritated or damaged.
🔹 Nociplastic Pain
This is sensitized nervous system pain.
Think:
• fibromyalgia
• chronic widespread pain
• persistent fatigue
• pain that doesn’t match imaging
• symptoms worsened by stress, poor sleep, or overwhelm
The alarm system becomes hypersensitive.
The problem is that many people get treated the SAME way no matter which type of pain they have.
At The Alignment Project, we assess:
✔ structural alignment
✔ movement patterns
✔ nervous system regulation
✔ metabolic health
✔ stress physiology
✔ breathing patterns
✔ lifestyle load
Because persistent pain is rarely “just tight muscles.”
Sometimes the tissues need help.
Sometimes the nerves need help.
Sometimes the nervous system needs safety and regulation again.
Healing starts when you understand WHICH system is driving the pain experience.
MindBodyHealth NervousSystem HolisticHealth MovementTherapy TheAlignmentProject