The Connection Between Trauma and Chronic Pain: Understanding the Body’s Response

When we talk about trauma and chronic pain, it might seem like they’re two separate things. But they’re often more connected than we think. Trauma isn’t just an emotional experience—it’s something our bodies hold onto, which can lead to chronic pain. Today, I want to explore how trauma affects our bodies and why it can lead to long-lasting pain.

I recognize that everyone's healing journey is different, and I’m here to help. As an IFS-Informed therapist in Denver, I can guide you in healing from trauma and chronic pain. Ready to start? Book a consultation today.

What is Trauma?

Trauma is more than just a tough experience. It’s any event that feels overwhelming, scary, or out of our control. And while we often think of trauma as something that happens in our minds, it’s also stored in our bodies. This means that even if we think we’ve moved on, our bodies might still be holding onto the pain and stress from what happened.

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is pain that sticks around for a long time—often months or even years. It’s not just a one-time injury that heals. Sometimes, chronic pain starts with an injury or illness, but other times, it’s tied to long-term stress or trauma. When we experience trauma, our bodies go into "fight or flight" mode, preparing to protect us from danger. But when trauma isn’t resolved, the body can get stuck in this state, leading to chronic pain that just doesn’t seem to go away.

How Trauma and Chronic Pain Are Linked

Many people don’t realize that their chronic pain might be linked to past trauma. When we experience trauma, our bodies react by tightening up or becoming tense as a way to protect us. Over time, this tension can turn into chronic pain. It’s like our bodies are carrying around the pain from the past, even if we’re not consciously thinking about it. This is why trauma and chronic pain often go hand in hand.

The Body’s Response to Trauma

A helpful way to understand this is through something called Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. IFS therapy recognizes that we all have different “parts” of ourselves that react to trauma in different ways. For example, one part of us might hold onto physical pain as a way to keep us safe from feeling emotional pain again. For some, it’s almost like this part believes that if we stay in pain, we won’t have to face the difficult emotions from our past.

These parts of us aren’t bad—they’re just trying to protect us. But when they hold onto pain for too long, it can lead to chronic pain that feels like it’s stuck in our bodies.

Emotional Stress and Physical Pain

Emotional stress from trauma doesn’t just stay in our heads; it shows up in our bodies too. When we feel anxious, sad, or overwhelmed, it can create tension and pain. It’s like our bodies are trying to express what we’re feeling but don’t have the words to say. This is why unhealed trauma often leads to physical symptoms, making the connection between trauma and chronic pain even stronger.

How We Cope with Trauma and Pain

We all have ways of coping with pain and trauma, even if we’re not aware of it. Sometimes, we try to ignore it, push it down, or avoid dealing with it. But these coping mechanisms can actually make our pain worse over time. That’s were IFS therapy comes in. IFS therapy helps by encouraging us to gently connect with these different parts of ourselves. Instead of fighting against the pain, we learn to understand and heal the parts that are holding onto it.

Therapeutic Approaches to Healing Trauma and Chronic Pain

To heal trauma and chronic pain, it often takes more than just one approach. Here are a few therapies that can help:

EMDR Therapy: A somatic approach that focuses on releasing stored trauma.
Mind-Body Techniques: These include practices like yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises, which help calm the nervous system.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy: This is where I come in! IFS-Informed therapy helps you explore and understand the different parts of yourself, especially the ones holding onto pain. By working with these parts, you can start to heal the trauma that’s been stored in your body, which often leads to relief from chronic pain.

IFS therapy in denver to heal from trauma and chronic pain

Practical Tips for Managing Trauma and Chronic Pain

If you’re ready to start addressing your trauma and chronic pain, here are some easy steps to try:

Pay Attention to Your Body: Spend a few minutes each day noticing any areas of tension or pain. This can help you become more aware of how your body holds onto stress or trauma.
Be Kind to Yourself: Instead of being frustrated with your pain, try to approach it with curiosity and kindness. Ask yourself, “What might this pain be trying to tell me?”
Practice Mindfulness: Take deep breaths, meditate, or spend a moment being present with your feelings and sensations. This helps you connect with different parts of yourself and understand what your body is experiencing.
Seek Support: Working with a therapist can be incredibly helpful. As an IFS-Informed therapist in Denver, I would love to support you on this journey. Together, we can explore the deeper connections between your trauma and chronic pain and work toward healing.