The Pain Is Real: What is Psychogenic Pain?
Chances are, being sick or injured doesn’t put you in the best mood right? Experiencing any kind of physical pain can exacerbate other symptoms such as stress and anxiety. Just like the physical pain that can make you feel worse mentally, your mind can cause pain without a physical source.
This phenomenon is known as psychogenic pain and occurs when the pain you are feeling is related to emotional, behavioral, or psychological factors. Let’s look a little deeper…
What Causes Psychogenic Pain?
While it’s not entirely clear why the brain causes pain when there is no physical source, the fact is: the pain is real.
There are some theories that suggest this pain stems from a “pain memory,” which is a condition that causes your nervous system to hold onto pain long after your injury has healed. Other theories suggest that this pain is caused by signals getting confused in your brain. Generally, sensations of pain are sent through nerve receptors that transmit this information to the spine, and then onto the brain.
Of course, messages can get lost along the way, causing your brain to interpret mental distress as pain. Some psychological factors that might cause physical manifestations of pain are anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and stress.
Experiencing pain but don’t know where it’s coming from? You might be experiencing psychogenic pain. I can help you resolve any past trauma that might be manifesting as physical pain! Give me a call and we’ll see how EPT can work for you.
Pain From Your Brain
Just like the pain you feel when you are in physical pain, psychogenic pain can be acute or chronic. Acute pain is usually sharp but lasts briefly, and doesn’t normally require treatment. Chronic pain is persistent pain that can last anywhere from a few weeks or months to several years.
If you are suffering from any kind of chronic pain, EPT therapy is highly encouraged. Psychogenic pain that is chronic can be felt all over your body with varying intensity, though most commonly it will manifest as a headache, muscle aches and pains, abdominal pain, or even back or neck pain.
Is Psychogenic Pain Treatable?
The good news is that with proper help, you can alleviate psychogenic pain. In addition to EPT therapy, I’ll help you create a holistic treatment plan that may include:
Treat the pain. Physical therapy and dietary adjustments might help alleviate the symptoms.
Treat psychological triggers. A therapist (like me!) can help you find the root of what is causing your pain, and then take steps to treat this mental issue. With Emotional Polarity Technique™, I will teach you the power of forgiveness which will help heal the wounds that plague you and are causing you to live physical and mental pain.
Acupuncture, massage, and other alternative modalities may help.
Keep in mind that relief may be found quickly for some, while for others it might take a little more time. Don’t give up. Have patience with yourself; I will help you get through this.
You can move forward and live a pain-free life! If you believe you are experiencing psychogenic pain, Open Heart Holistic Therapy can help you get to the bottom of what is causing your pain.
Find The Root of Your Pain
Emotional Polarity Technique™ is a totally different approach to therapy and emotional healthcare. With the use of forgiveness, I teach you to let go of and heal the pain in your life that causes adversity, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and difficult relationships.
The best part? Once you learn to forgive, you can heal and will experience profound relief! Let go of the emotional pain that is manifesting itself as physical pain. I have both in-person sessions at my South Tampa office or can meet with you virtually. Give me a call today at 813-922-8768 or schedule an appointment online!