Chronic Pain and Autoimmune Disorders

Supporting Comfort, Energy, and Resilience

Chronic pain and autoimmune conditions can make everyday life feel exhausting. Whether the discomfort stems from inflammation, nerve pain, or conditions like fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis, the result is often the same—limited energy, poor sleep, and reduced quality of life.

At Cromwell Medical Clinic, we understand how deeply these conditions affect both body and mind. Led by family medicine specialists Dr. Melissa Herbranson and Faith Manty CNP, our team uses an integrative approach combining functional medicine and neuroscience. Through Exomind transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, we help retrain the brain’s pain-processing networks to reduce discomfort and promote resilience.

Serving Cromwell, Wright, Sawyer, Kettle River, and communities throughout Aitkin County, Carlton County, and Itasca County, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care designed to help you feel comfortable, capable, and restored.

Contact us online or call (218) 644-3811 to explore your options for long-term pain relief.

Understanding Chronic Pain and Autoimmune Disorders

Chronic pain is defined as discomfort lasting three months or longer, often persisting even after the original injury or illness has healed. Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, triggering inflammation and fatigue. These two conditions frequently overlap—many autoimmune patients experience ongoing pain even when inflammation is under control.

Research shows that the brain plays a key role in both chronic pain and autoimmune symptoms. When pain signals are transmitted repeatedly, the brain’s response can become amplified, creating heightened sensitivity. Similarly, chronic inflammation affects neurotransmitters responsible for regulating mood and energy. By targeting these brain circuits, Exomind therapy helps calm the nervous system and reduce the body’s pain response.

Fibromyalgia and Widespread Pain
Fibromyalgia is a complex pain condition that causes muscle tenderness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, often referred to as “fibro fog.” Scientists believe it results from overactive pain pathways and chemical imbalances in the brain that amplify normal sensations. Stress, poor sleep, and hormonal changes can make symptoms worse.

At Cromwell Medical Clinic, we take a whole-person approach to fibromyalgia management. Along with movement therapy and nutrition support, Exomind therapy helps regulate pain processing in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, reducing the brain’s overreaction to pain signals. Many patients experience improved comfort, clearer thinking, and better sleep over the course of treatment.

Autoimmune-Related Pain and Fatigue
Autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis can cause nerve inflammation, muscle stiffness, and profound fatigue. When immune cells mistakenly attack healthy tissues, chronic inflammation disrupts how the brain and body communicate.

Exomind therapy supports these patients by improving brain connectivity and modulating the body’s inflammatory response. Research into transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) shows potential benefits for improving mobility, reducing fatigue, and supporting mental health in autoimmune conditions. Combined with medical management, Exomind offers a safe, drug-free way to enhance quality of life.

Chronic Headaches and Migraines
Chronic headaches and migraines often arise from overactive pain pathways in the brainstem and cortex. Hormonal fluctuations, sleep disturbances, or muscle tension can all act as triggers. Over time, the brain becomes sensitized to these signals, turning even mild stimuli into pain.

Exomind therapy gently rebalances these pathways, reducing the frequency and severity of headaches. Patients often report improved sleep, reduced light sensitivity, and fewer missed days due to migraine pain. When used alongside hydration, nutrition, and stress management, Exomind can make a lasting difference.

Neuropathic Pain and Nerve Sensitivity
Neuropathic pain results from nerve damage or dysfunction. It may occur after surgery, injury, shingles, or in conditions such as diabetes. Symptoms include burning, tingling, or shooting sensations that persist long after healing.

Because this pain originates in the nervous system, traditional medications often provide incomplete relief. Exomind helps by influencing brain regions that interpret pain signals, reducing hypersensitivity and restoring balance to the nervous system. Many patients experience less discomfort and improved mobility after a full treatment series.

Post-Injury or Post-Illness Pain
Even after tissues heal, the brain may continue sending pain signals due to disrupted communication between the sensory and motor areas. This phenomenon, sometimes called “central sensitization,” keeps pain circuits active unnecessarily.

Exomind therapy helps “reset” this loop by retraining the brain to interpret sensations accurately. Patients recovering from surgery, trauma, or infections such as shingles may find that pain gradually decreases as the brain reestablishes normal signaling. This process also supports emotional recovery, improving motivation and outlook during rehabilitation.

How Exomind Can Help

Exomind is an advanced, noninvasive treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted brain regions involved in pain perception, inflammation, and emotional health. This process, known as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), encourages healthier communication between nerve cells and supports the brain’s natural healing capacity.

By modulating activity in the prefrontal cortex and related pain networks, Exomind helps the body respond appropriately to pain and reduces the release of stress-related chemicals. Over time, this leads to less tension, improved mood, and greater physical comfort.

Exomind is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder and is used internationally to support related conditions such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and autoimmune-related fatigue. Treatments are comfortable, medication-free, and performed in-office with no downtime.

Benefits of Exomind

  • Reduces pain sensitivity and muscle tension
  • Improves energy, focus, and sleep quality
  • Calms overactive pain pathways in the brain
    Supports emotional resilience during chronic illness
  • Noninvasive, drug-free, and well tolerated

Why Choose Cromwell Medical Clinic?

Cromwell Medical Clinic takes an integrative, patient-centered approach to care. Under the guidance of Dr. Melissa Herbranson and Dr. Shawn Bode, our team blends family medicine, functional wellness, and neuroscience to address both the physical and emotional aspects of pain.

We understand that chronic illness affects every part of life, and we tailor each care plan to the individual. From advanced therapies like Exomind to nutrition, hormone support, and movement recommendations, every treatment plan is designed to promote healing at its source.

Conveniently located in Cromwell, we proudly serve patients from Wright, Sawyer, Kettle River, and throughout Aitkin and Carlton Counties.

Learn more about us

Other Solutions to Explore
In addition to TMS therapy, our providers may recommend complementary strategies to enhance recovery and improve comfort:

Physical Therapy and Gentle Movement
Low-impact exercise and guided stretching help improve mobility, reduce stiffness, and retrain the body’s pain response.

Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition and Supplements
Eating whole foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D can reduce inflammation and support immune balance.

Stress Management and Restorative Sleep
Mindfulness, meditation, and proper sleep hygiene calm the nervous system and aid tissue repair.

Medication or Integrative Pain Management
When appropriate, medical management may include anti-inflammatory or nerve-calming medications alongside Exomind therapy.

Each of these options can be combined within a personalized plan that supports lasting relief and overall well-being.

Take the Next Step

If you live with chronic pain, fatigue, or autoimmune symptoms, know that relief is possible. Exomind therapy at Cromwell Medical Clinic offers a noninvasive, evidence-based path toward greater comfort and vitality for patients in Aitkin County, Carlton County, and Itasca County, MN.

Contact us online or call (218) 644-3811 to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward healing and renewed energy.