Thanks to the Neuro Orthopaedic Institute for providing such great information and supporting the latest in brain research:  Research shows people in pain often lose the ability to identify left or right images of their painful body part(s).  For instance, when viewing pictures of body parts they are slower and/or less accurate than somebody without pain at determining whether the image is a Left or Right body part.  This ability appears to be important for normal recovery from pain. The good news is that the brain is plastic and changeable, if given the right training for long enough. So with the appropriate tools, a bit of work, patience and persistence, it is possible to improve the ability (speed and accuracy) to discriminate between Left and Right body parts and movements.  Read the book “Explain Pain” for more information on how mirror neurons work to assist in decreasing and eliminating pain.