Ever notice your pain flares when you are experiencing emotional stress, things are overwhelming, or you are extra busy? It’s not just in your head – there is real biological changes that are driving a flare in pain.
When you’re stressed, your nervous system perceives a threat and goes into protection mode. Your brain is ready for any potential danger, and your body becomes more sensitized to pain – this means a movement or body part that wouldn’t normally cause a lot of pain can actually feel more painful if stress is amplified.
Chronic stress can also impact inflammation by disrupting normal immune and hormonal responses in your body. This leads to increased inflammatory chemicals circulating, making you more sensitive to pain, impairing tissue recovery, and increasing tension in muscles.
So what can you do about it?
Pain is always real, but sometimes the body reacts as if there is danger even when the situation is safe. Knowing this can help you feel more in control of your pain.
Small changes to manage stress can be very impactful! This includes proper sleep, light movement, breathing exercises and rest – all these tools can remind your nervous system that you aren’t in danger and help calm the protective response. Reach out if you have more questions or feel this may apply to you. We are happy to help.