Emotional Trauma and Chronic Pain
Image Credit: ©Kelsey Rein
There is a link between emotional trauma and chronic pain. It's not just physical damage that can contribute to pain conditions.
It is why making peace with the past and ourselves is so important if we are going to successfully manage our pain. And as importantly we must find a way to deal with stress in the present moment. We must find a way to forgive - to let go of resentment.
It was when I began working with a pain clinic and began to talk about my life that I was first made aware of the link between trauma and pain. I learned that stress is one of the main triggers to ramp up pain levels. I have a history of traumatic events from an abusive childhood, homelessness, alcoholism and BDP and other serious mental health disorders.
It all had an effect on me even though I was unaware of what it was doing to my central nervous system. Stress also caused me digestion problems and stomach ulcers. It caused my hair to fall out when I was 16. Alopecia is common in people who are highly anxious. It is a signal that something is going on under the surface that needs addressing.
Then after getting sober at 36 I had a period of good health. I had discovered a way to deal with stress in the present moment. I met and married my wife. Became a father and went on to have triplets which was a traumatic experience in itself. No joke, having triplets was a test of patience and tolerance. And in all that time there was a history I rarely discussed.
It was only when I got hit in my car and nerve pain became permanent that I came to realise that I had to deal with my past and make a beginning on unravelling my previous traumas. Events that were adding to my current pain levels. In short, I had to learn to forgive.
Over the last few years I have worked with the pain clinic in dealing with the mental strain of chronic pain. I had sessions with their clinical psychologist and from those appointments I have gone on to get counseling to finally discuss and deal with my childhood abuse.
Even though I have no resentment towards my past it still resonates in my mind and can cause fear. It is still a factor in my stress levels and still causes me problems in personal relationships. So seeking help was vital. It was the last area of my life I need to deal with.
The past affects the present.
Pain changes the way the brain functions as does stress and anxiety. I can't do anything to fix Central Pain Syndrome right now but I can do as much as possible to deal with the stress of daily living.
I have to live a healthy lifestyle. Diet and mild exercise help with chronic pain. The healthier I am the easier it is to manage my pain levels. And I've realised that the more I face and overcome trauma, the better position I am in to face life now.
Nothing has helped me overcome stress more than non contemplative meditation. It is a way to practice observing overthinking and negative emotions without being dragged into the whirlpool of negative thoughts. It is a freeing exercise unlike anything out there. I will leave the link at the bottom of this post.
If you are suffering from chronic pain and have a history of traumatic events that may be affecting your pain now I urge you to seek help. Find the courage to face your past and in forgiveness you will find peace. And living with chronic pain will become that little bit easier.
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