Can Pain Be Caused by Anxiety
Can pain be caused by anxiety? Yes. Pain creates anxiety, which leads to more pain. Then, this new pain produces more anxiety, which in turn repeats and causes a snowball effect of increasing pain and anxiety. Sometimes, this results in nonspecific pain, a discomfort that can be felt throughout the body.
Nonspecific Pain
By the very nature of nonspecific pain, it is elusive. No matter how much we yearn to find its origin, it remains undiscoverable. This can be extremely frustrating, and as a result, it causes more anxiety and pain. Once we get stuck in this loop, it becomes exceedingly difficult to escape.
I believe the way we unshackle ourselves from this negative feedback loop is by focusing on the anxiety of the pain. This helps soothe the autonomic nervous system, reduces the muscle’s tendency to tense up, and promotes a state of peace and ease.
At the core of pain management massage is the goal of encouraging the brain to feel comfortable, safe, and relaxed. Once in this state, it tends to foster trust, both in ourselves and with others.
Can Pain be Caused By Anxiety
If anxiety can cause pain, how do we stop it? One of my favorite neuroscientists is Lorimer Moseley, because he emphasises the importance of our brain’s ability to reprogram itself. Since you are your brain, you can change how you interpret touch and movement. Sometimes, all it takes is for you to analyze your life to witness the ways you move throughout the day. I bet some of your painful movements only hurt when you are performing specific activities.
Keep a journal and record when you experience pain, along with what is causing it. Then reflect on all the other movements you make throughout the day that don’t bother you. Compare the two to see if they are using the same muscles. If the same muscles are being used, but only hurt performing specific tasks, you have a chance to reprogram how you feel about the ones that are hurting you.
Reprogramming your brain in this way means taking the steps to change how you feel about specific body positions and the tasks associated with them. If you can overcome the negative associations with these movements, you can significantly alleviate pain in your life.
Addressing Nonspecific Pain
When I perform pain management massage, I aim to place you in a state of peace and ease. This requires me to get your central nervous system to trust my touch. I accomplish this by using techniques that soothe and provide pleasure.
If I use pain in an area that already hurts, it feeds into the negative feedback loop of pain. As a consequence, it confirms your brain’s belief that the area is in danger. While it may feel better in the short term, the bruising and negative stimuli remind your CNS to create more pain so that it can avoid additional harm.
In summary, we use positive stimuli to offer positive results.
Can pain be caused by anxiety?
If you are searching for a massage therapist who specializes in pain management, and knows the answer to “Can pain be caused by anxiety?” book an appointment with Shawn White at Jennifer Brand Spa.
We are located at 2717 Hwy K in O’Fallon MO.