Why Chronic Pain May be a Sign of Unresolved Trauma

For people who struggle with chronic pain, figuring out what is causing their pain can be a frustrating journey. Sometimes, the root of the issue is obvious, but other times, even doctors have a hard time helping their patients pinpoint why they are dealing with chronic pain. Chronic pain can persist for years on end, and it can affect every area of someone’s life.

It’s easy to assume that chronic pain is always the result of an injury or illness. But that isn’t necessarily the case. Have you ever questioned if your chronic pain is actually the result of unresolved trauma? It’s entirely possible. Here is how trauma can lead to chronic pain, even years after the event.

The Effects of Stress and Anxiety

When you are stressed out, you might notice that your entire body feels a little tense. It’s not your imagination. As we experience stress and anxiety, the body naturally tenses up. This is because your brain and body are preparing for a perceived threat. And even when you are not in danger, this process still occurs.

After experiencing trauma, your muscles will tense up and constrict. This can continue every time you are reminded of the event. Over a long period of time, this can lead to muscle fatigue and chronic pain.

Nervous System

When you experience trauma, your nervous system responds. Basically, your sympathetic nervous system goes into “survival mode.” Your body begins to release excess stress hormones like cortisol. Your blood pressure increases, and so do your blood sugar levels.

When you are facing danger and threats to your physical safety, these physiological changes can help you survive. However, your nervous system may never have “relaxed,” even when you were physically safe again. When your sympathetic nervous system is always in overdrive, your immune system takes a hit, and it is more difficult for your body to heal. For some people, this can explain chronic pain symptoms.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Sometimes, trauma survivors give up old hobbies. After dealing with trauma, you may have experienced a loss in motivation. Perhaps you no longer wanted to go to the gym or engage in physical activity. It may have felt too taxing. Or maybe you simply didn’t feel safe.

That’s a perfectly normal response, and taking some time off from your usual hobbies won’t hurt in the long run. However, going for long periods of time without being physically active can actually make chronic pain worse. Back pain and muscle aches can be exacerbated by spending most of the day sitting. Some people with chronic pain feel nervous about playing a sport again or even simply getting outside for long walks, but these activities can actually help some people reduce their pain.

Negative Expectancy

“Negative expectancy” is a rational response to trauma. When you are trying to process trauma, it’s easy to see why you would feel emotionally guarded and pessimistic. You are trying to protect yourself from future pain, and you do not want to be vulnerable and let your guard down.

Negative expectancy basically means that you’re expecting to experience more difficult events in the future, and you don’t want to get your hopes up about potentially brighter days ahead. But negative expectancy is one reason why your sympathetic nervous system might be overactive and contributing to chronic pain. When you’re expecting to face new problems each day, your sympathetic nervous system can do long-term damage.

—

Do you suspect that the chronic pain you are experiencing is actually rooted in unresolved trauma? Are you wondering if therapy could help? Reach out to us today to see how we can support you in your healing journey.

For more information on trauma therapy click here.