What Is Chronic Pain/Illness?

Chronic pain (& chronic illness) is a pervasive and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While physical injuries and medical conditions are often considered primary culprits, there are also strong links that unprocessed emotional and psychological distress can significantly contribute to the development and persistence of chronic pain that has no underlying medical condition or basis. Emotional distress is an umbrella term for anxiety, depression, conscious or unconscious trauma or emotions and stress. Symptoms of  chronic pain and illness can be:

1. Persistent or recurring pain, without a medical explanation.

2. Dull, aching or sharp, shooting pain.

3. Stiffness and reduced range of motion.

4. Fatigue, migraines and sleep disturbances.

5. Mood changes: irritability, anxiety or mild depression.

6. Decreased appetite, changes in diet and weight loss.

7. Increased sensitivity to touch or temperature changes.

As John E. Sarno writes, “chronic pain is a manifestation of a long-term emotional burden that has not been addressed… individuals are often grappling with unresolved emotional issues, whether it be stress, anxiety, or repressed feelings from past traumas. The body has a remarkable way of expressing what the mind cannot articulate, and chronic pain is often the result of the body's attempt to communicate this emotional distress when words fail”. 

It is important to note that our bodies and minds are intricately connected and emotional experiences can manifest physically. Unfortunately, for a long time in Western medicine the mind and body has been treated as two separate parts; this is far from the truth. As Dr. Candace Pert, a neuroscientist and pharmacologist, remarks, "the body is the unconscious mind." Many other word-leading authorities such as Gabor Maté, Peter Levine and Dan Siegel all talk about the profound influence of mental and emotional states on bodily functions and how they exchange information. Recent studies have shed light on the gut being the "second brain". The gut not only regulates digestion but also communicates with the central nervous system, influencing mood, behaviour and even cognitive function. Think about the phrase “a gut reaction” and the feeling you get when something is off-kilter or doesn’t feel right – that isn’t coincidence; it’s your mind-body intuitive or instinctual knowing. 

Furthermore, emotional distress can manifest physically in the gut, leading to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or food intolerances. This can also extend to beyond the stomach and result in autoimmune disorders, fatigue, fibromyalgia and other medically unexplained symptoms. 

There are lots of reasons why chronic pain may be present such as the physical manifestation of conscious (or unconscious) emotional distress, maladaptive thought patterns/behaviours or a physical response to chronic stress. Following from this, there are a few ways in which chronic pain may surface. 

Firstly, when we encounter emotional distress our bodies respond by releasing stress hormones and activating the sympathetic nervous system. Over time, this constant activation can lead to heightened sensitivity to pain signals, amplifying the perception of pain and contributing to its persistence. As Clarissa Pinkola Estés says "the body remembers, the bones remember, the joints remember, even the little finger remembers chronic pain, because the nerve endings have been altered." 

Secondly, not only can chronic pain be a manifestation of unresolved emotional issues alone, but in some situations, it can also be the body’s way of trying to bring attention to itself; to help find resolve. Imagine if lower back pain could speak, it might be saying “Hey, over here! We need some help here please! Something isn’t right”.  It can be a call for help externally and internally, and if this emotional distress is not addressed it can create a cycle of discomfort and exacerbate existing symptoms. 

Another way chronic pain may occur, is the body’s way of trying to distract from the emotions that want to surface. Emotions are a natural and fundamental part of our psychological make-up. They want to surface and be seen and felt and heard; especially when they have occurred as a result of something particularly traumatic or adverse. For an adult, constant neck pain or IBS is a good decoy and distraction from thoughts of childhood abuse or a traumatic car accident and the emotions that are constantly trying to be heard.

Unresolved emotional distress can also lead to maladaptive coping mechanisms such as social avoidance or withdrawal, or reliance on unhealthy habits like overeating or substance abuse. In some cases, it may also lead to addiction. These coping strategies may provide temporary relief but can eventually worsen both emotional wellbeing and physical symptoms, perpetuating the cycle of chronic pain and dependencies. See here for my article on addiction. 

Overcoming chronic pain involves recognising the mind-body connection and addressing the underlying emotional factors contributing to the pain. It is important to acknowledge and release repressed emotions, particularly anger and rage, which are believed to generate tension and constriction in the body, leading to pain. 

Different therapeutic approaches such as talking therapy, CBT, hypnotherapy and somatic bodywork can offer methods to help alleviate emotional distress. Although in many cases, meaningful and honest acknowledgment, and sitting with these emotions can be the first step to alleviate symptoms of chronic pain. Self-help techniques such as journaling, mindfulness and relaxation techniques may also support this. 

By addressing the underlying emotional and psychological distress, individuals with chronic pain can break free from the cycle of suffering and reclaim their lives. It's essential to approach pain management holistically, recognising the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. With patience, perseverance and a comprehensive treatment approach, it is possible to overcome chronic pain and cultivate a sense of healing, resilience, and empowerment.