Indeed, pain can be triggered by emotional and mental states. Scientifically, it has been shown that both mental/emotional and physical pain activate the same brain regions: the anterior insula and the anterior cingulate cortex. Thus, a physiological link between the brain and body indeed exists.
We will discuss 10 different types of pain directly associated with feelings, emotions, and thoughts. With this understanding, one can start making necessary adjustments to improve well-being (recommendations will also be provided).
HERE ARE 10 TYPES OF PAIN LINKED TO FEELINGS/EMOTIONS/THOUGHTS:
1. BACK PAIN
The back and shoulders are often where muscle tension is most felt. Chiropractors, osteopaths, and other medical experts have long discussed the connection between back pain and mental/emotional health due to stress/anxiety.
Compounding the issue, this type of pain is cyclical. Stress and worry about back pain cause muscle tension; as muscles tense, feelings like frustration and anger emerge.
2. HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES
3. NECK PAIN
Emotional build-up, especially negative emotions, can impact nearly every part of the body. Neck pain is a common symptom reported by those with anxiety-related disorders, as noted by Calm Clinic.
The ways anxiety can present itself are numerous, including financial concerns, relationship issues, sadness, fatigue, and more.
4. SHOULDER PAIN
Many kinesiologists agree that the shoulders often bear the brunt of stress. The saying "Carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders" indeed has much truth behind it.
5. STOMACH ACHES AND/OR CRAMPS
Our stomach often bears the brunt of our worries, fears, and anxieties. Repeatedly experiencing these emotions can unsurprisingly lead to stomach aches and pains. Indeed, chronic stress may even result in stomach ulcers.
6. ELBOW PAIN AND/OR STIFFNESS
Dr. Alan Fogel, in an article for Psychology Today, states, "All emotions have a motor component." This applies to the elbow as well. Although medical conditions like arthritis can cause pain or stiffness, emotional states such as anxiety and depression can also manifest physically, even in the elbows.
7. PAIN IN HANDS
Pain in the hands, much like elbow pain, can stem from actual medical conditions. It is also suggested that hand pain might be linked to feelings of isolation or confinement. As Dr. Fogel notes, every emotion can translate into a physical symptom, so the possibilities are endless.
8. HIP PAIN
Emotional triggers, apart from documented medical conditions, are likely contributors to hip pain. The hips have more nerve connections than commonly realized, which means emotional distress can also translate into physical pain in this region.
9. KNEE PAIN
10. FOOT PAIN
A podiatrist on the link between mental/emotional states and foot pain states: "Individuals under stress exhibit a range of biomechanical problems. While I don't claim to be an expert, I believe there's an anecdotal link between the emotional state and lower limb and foot conditions."
Experts at Columbia University recognize that psychological conditions may be linked to physical symptoms, indicating that addressing the root cause of the pain could be the key to relief.
Just as it's important to investigate physical pain or stress, it's equally valuable to examine any emotional states. What emotions are you experiencing?
Source: powerofpositivity.com
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