Chronic pain is one of the top three complaints people bring to my office—joint pain, muscle soreness, stiffness, and body aches that seem to have no clear cause or lasting relief.
It’s also one of the most misunderstood and frustrating conditions to live with.
That’s why I’ve continued to explore outside the conventional medicine box, looking for real solutions that address what’s truly driving ongoing pain. Over the years, this exploration has led me to discoveries that have changed lives—especially for those who have been told, “You just have to live with it.”
🔬The Viral Connection No One Is Talking About
In many chronic pain cases I see, the true culprit isn’t wear-and-tear, aging, or even autoimmune dysfunction—it’s one or more viral pathogens that have taken up long-term residence in the body.
Common players include Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), various shingles strains, HHV-6, herpes simplex 1 & 2, and cytomegalovirus (CMV).
These viruses produce neurotoxins—byproducts of viral activity that travel through the bloodstream, inflame nerves, and disrupt communication between nerves and muscles. The result? Pain that can feel muscular, articular, or even migratory—yet isn’t fully explained by imaging or lab work.
⚡️Why Muscle and Joint Pain May Actually Be Nerve Pain
Here’s a perspective that changes everything:
Often what feels like “muscle pain” is actually nerve pain within the muscle tissue, and what feels like “joint pain” is nerve irritation surrounding the joint.
Neurotoxins can:
- Float through the bloodstream and invade muscle tissue, inflaming the nerves embedded within.
- Settle around joints, igniting inflammation in nearby nerves.
- In certain viral strains (particularly EBV), bind directly to nerve endings, creating contact-based inflammation that mimics arthritis.
Sometimes, the joints do become secondarily inflamed—viral-created nodules can form—but even then, the pain’s root lies in the nervous system.
🧩 When the Brain Becomes Saturated
A more complex and often overlooked mechanism happens when viral neurotoxins cross into the brain. Over time, these toxins can accumulate in small pockets near pain-processing centers.
When pain receptors in those regions become overstimulated, they begin to misfire—sending pain signals to different parts of the body even when there’s no local injury.
This is not “in your head.” It’s a real biochemical signal generated by inflammation within the brain itself—a phenomenon that can produce widespread or “phantom” pain seen in conditions like fibromyalgia and other neurological syndromes. (Referenced in Brain Saver by Anthony William.)
🩸Why Exercise Sometimes Makes It Worse
For those trying to rebuild strength through movement, the experience can be frustrating. When neurotoxins are active and circulating, exercise can push them through the bloodstream more aggressively, amplifying nerve irritation and fatigue.
The more viral debris present, the harder it is for the body to tolerate exertion—leading to that crash many people experience after working out.
🌿Treatment & Recovery: Restoring Calm to the Nerves and Body
When we understand that chronic pain can stem from viral neurotoxins inflaming the nervous system, our approach must shift from suppressing symptoms to restoring and soothing the nerves, cleansing the body, and rebuilding resilience.
Below are some of the most effective, well-tolerated supports I’ve seen help patients over time — especially when integrated with a clean, anti-inflammatory lifestyle and the core healing tools you’ll find in my Chronic Pain Guide.
💊 Key Pain-Relieving & Anti-Inflammatory Nutrients
🧘🏻♀️ Magnesium Glycinate
Relaxes both nerves and muscles, helping reduce spasms and nerve excitability. It’s foundational for calming inflamed nerves and easing muscle tension near damaged areas.
🧠 B12 (Methylcobalamin form)
Essential for nerve repair and regeneration. Helps modulate pain signals and restore neurological function.
🌱 Plant-Based Omega-3s (EPA/DHA)
Support repair of the central nervous system (CNS) while reducing inflammation throughout the body. They strengthen nerve tissues and help buffer the effects of stress hormones like adrenaline.
🌼 (from Turmeric)
A true multitasker—anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant. It helps reduce joint and nerve pain, headaches, and chronic muscle inflammation.
🌿 Nettle Leaf
Rich in alkaloids that specifically calm inflammation triggered by viral activity, especially Epstein-Barr. Excellent for nerve and joint pain, shingles, and reproductive inflammation.
💎 MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
Restores flexibility to nerves and muscles tightened by inflammation. Supports healing after injuries and helps relieve deep tissue pain.
💪🏻 Lysine
Not just for cold sores—lysine helps lower the viral load of Epstein-Barr and other herpes-family viruses. Calms the CNS and helps protect nerves like the vagus and phrenic that are often targeted by neurotoxins.
🧩 NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)
A powerful amino acid that supports liver detoxification, lowers inflammation, and relieves nerve pain. It also aids in clearing out old viral debris.
🌸 California Poppy
A gentle but effective herb for calming overactive nerves and soothing pain. Supports balanced neurotransmission.
🍋 Lemon Balm
Both antiviral and calming—kills viruses that inflame nerves while soothing the central nervous system.
😌 GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
A key neurotransmitter supplement that quiets the mind and relaxes the nervous system.
🌺 Kava-Kava
Traditionally used for easing tension, it soothes overstimulated nerves and reduces stress-related pain.
🌳 White Willow Bark, Meadowsweet & Calendula
Nature’s pain and inflammation trio—support tissue repair, reduce swelling, and calm pain without harsh side effects.
🌶️ Mustard Seed Oil (Topical)
A stimulating, warming remedy that improves circulation and relieves localized muscle or joint discomfort.
🥗 Healing Foods & Herbs for Inflammation and Pain
Nature offers potent anti-inflammatory and nerve-calming foods that work in synergy with the body’s healing systems. Integrate these daily:
- Leafy greens, asparagus, brussels sprouts, cucumbers, zucchini, purslane
- Wild blueberries, cherries, papaya, mango, sweet potatoes, bananas, winter squash
- Ginger, burdock root, cayenne pepper, rosemary, sage, tarragon, reishi
- Herbal teas: lemon balm, nettle leaf, licorice root, ginger, hops, honeysuckle
Each of these foods helps quiet inflammation, feed nerves, and restore electrolyte balance. They also support viral cleansing and liver detoxification—two essential steps for long-term recovery.
🕊️ Final Thoughts
Healing from chronic pain isn’t about pushing through—it’s about understanding what’s driving the pain at its root.
When you support your body’s ability to lower viral load, calm inflamed nerves, and nourish your system with the right foods and nutrients, profound change is possible.
If you are wanting to go deeper in your healing and in need of more personalized guidance reach out to my office. And do pick up a copy of Brain Saver and Brain Saver Protocols, it will open your mind and body to new ideas in healing.
With compassion and care,
Dr. Sherri Greene
