The Mind-Body Connection and Why Pain Is Worse When You're Stressed!

The Mind-Body Connection and Why Pain Is Worse When You're Stressed!

Hey guys, Gina the pain science nerd here – coming to you with just a few educational gems to help you, your mind and your body figure out this whole pain thing.

Have you ever noticed that your pain is worse after a stressful day at work? Or after an argument with your family? Or perhaps the day before a really important race? Or maybe when you revisit the environment where you first sustained your injury? You’re not the only one, and these experiences re-enforce for us how pain doesn’t just exist in our bodily tissues, but rather is an output, calculated by your brain about all the incoming physical information, stored memories, thoughts and emotions going on in our nervous system.

I think more and more people are beginning to consider the impact their lives and context have on their body and pain experience but it’s difficult to know what to do with that information. I won’t bore you with the neuroscience behind the mind-body relationship (although feel free to ask me about it if you’re a pain science nerd like me), but I did just want to bring to your attention the nature of this relationship.

So next time your neck pain flares from an argument, or your ankle begins to throb as you tie up your running shoes take a second to consider why? Note what area of your body is reacting and try change it… This can be achieved with a bunch of simple exercises like cueing different muscle patterns, or releasing a muscle with your own conscious awareness. Give it a go! Lie on your back, think about something really stressful or really upsetting and notice if there’s any change… is your jaw clenching, are your shoulders gripping, are your toes curling? Now have a lie on your back, and bring your awareness to any part of your body that’s feeling tight… your neck, your shoulders, your glutes, your calves… close your eyes and imagine those muscles melting away, tell them to relax, and tell them to chill out… are you able to make any change?

I know this can seem a bit vague or flakey, but we really shouldn’t underestimate the power of our brains, and how we can harness them in our rehab! With practice, more conscious awareness and understanding around how our body reacts to our mind, we can control our nervous system, ultimately decreasing threat, and can dampen down pain signals. Use your pain as an opportunity to process, become more aware, and make change to the circumstances causing it… 

Feel free to give me a buzz if you have any questions! 

Gina: The Pain Science Nerd