Can emotions cause physical pain? Science suggests that our feelings and mental states can indeed manifest as real physical discomforts. Let’s take a look at the link between our emotions and physical pain!
Most of us know that problems in life can cause stress and damage our mental health. But, do you know that your emotions, thoughts, and state of mind can affect physical health? Do you know emotions cause physical pain?
Dr. Susan Babel, a psychologist that specializes in trauma-induced depression, says “Studies have shown that chronic physical pain might not only be caused by physical injury but also by stress and emotional issues.”
So, whenever you are experiencing physical pain, it means you have got to work on your emotional issues.
So, the next time you are troubled with lower back pain or headache, stop and think if it has to do with something else in your life!
Isn’t it good to know that your emotions and physical pain are interrelated? You can control your physical pain by checking your anxiety and stress levels as said by Dr. Murray Grossan of the Grossan Institute.
To help you get a better understanding of how emotions cause physical symptoms, we have described various pains you experience and what they mean.
How Emotions Cause Physical Pain: 10 Signs You Can’t Ignore
1. Headaches
Caused by day to day stress in our lives
Headaches are unpleasing pains, which can be mild or severe as migraines. They are known to be triggered by day-to-day stress in our lives. According to a cross-sectional study, migraines are triggered by stress and emotional triggers. Be sure to take time out of every day to relax. Do something that eases the tension.
Related: Types of Headaches: Which One Do You Have?
2. Neck pain
Trouble with forgiving others
Are you cursing yourself for something for long? Or unable to forget people who hurt you? Pain in your neck indicates trouble with forgiving others, or even yourself.
Sit and figure out what you need to let go of. Toxicity is injurious to health! Focus on your strengths and the things you love about yourself. Practice forgiveness every day and stop being too harsh on yourself if you want to improve your overall physical health.
3. Shoulder pain
Signifies that you are burdened with some sort of emotional pain
We say we carry a burden on our shoulders. Right? Pain in your shoulders may indicate that you’re burdened with some sort of emotional pain. Learn problem-solving skills and share your worries and tensions with your loved ones. There is no harm in seeking help!
Related: Psoas Muscle Pain Relief: 5 Ways To Heal the ‘Muscle of Your Soul’
4. Upper back pain
Lack of emotional support and feeling unloved
Often lack of emotional support is the cause of upper back pain. You might be feeling unloved or could even be holding your love back according to Rhonda Degaust, a self-help author and life coach. Spend more time with your loved ones, try and connect with old friends and If you’re single, you may think of a romantic relationship or marriage.
5. Lower back pain
Lack of emotional support, financial crisis and excess worry
Lack of emotional support can also cause lower back pain. The financial crisis and excess worry can exacerbate lower back pain, according to Dr. Mark W. Tong, a doctorate in natural healing.
You may hire a financial planner to better handle your property and money matters. Also, you can look for a better job with high pay. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others for support.
Related: 8 Foot Exercises That Can Cure Back Pain in minutes
6. Pain in Your Elbow
Indicates you are resistant to change in life
Pain in your elbows indicates that you are resistant to change in your life according to Dr Alan Fogel. If your arms are feeling stiff, it may mean that you’re too stiff or stubborn in your life. It may be a good time to keep your options open, accept changes, or make compromises.
Negative emotion causes physical pain. So, just go with the flow and see what life has to offer you ahead.
7. Pain in Your Palms
You might not be reaching out to others enough
We reach out to others and connect with our hands, we spread our arms when we want to hug someone. With your hands, you reach out to others and connect.
If you’re feeling pain in your palms or hands, it may mean that you’re not reaching out enough according to Reiki practitioner, Lori D’Ascenzo. Get up, move out of your cozy bedroom and start making new friends. Join your community clubs or start therapy sessions to build that support system for yourself.
8. Pain in the hips
Indicates you are afraid of moving ahead in life
According to Barbara Clark, If you’ve been afraid of moving ahead in life or probable changes in the future, that may manifest as a pain in the hips. Sore hips signify that you’re not ready to make major decisions in life. If you’re having some big ideas in your mind like starting your new business or traveling the world, it’s time to take action. Keep moving to get rid of that hip pain.
9. Knee pain
The sign of a big, fat EGO
Knee pain can be a sign of a big, fat ego as per Lawrence Michail, who writes about the metaphysical association between the physical body and emotional body. You might have a notion that you are superior to others and best at everything you do.
It’s time to humble yourself and start appreciating others’ efforts and hard work. Start volunteering and spend some time with people from different walks of life and you will know everyone is gifted with something or the other talent. Kill your ego to alleviate your knee pain.
10. Calves pain
Holding grudges or feeling jealous or high levels of stress
Are you experiencing emotional pain of any kind? Then it is highly likely to trigger calf pain as said by Dr. Laura Perry. Holding grudges or feeling jealous or high levels of stress can lead to sore calves and if unaddressed, it may worsen your health. Let go of the past and forget the hurtful events and take a pledge not to dwell in dark memories.
Related: 7 Reasons Why Your Back is Hurting (And How To Alleviate It)
11. Ankle pain
When you are devoid of pleasure
Are you exploring the pleasurable aspects of your life? If not then you should start considering it. According to author Jill Douglas and self-help guru Kathy Hadley, “Ankles represent the ability to receive pleasure.” Ankle pain may occur when you are devoid of pleasure. Add some spice to your love life, enjoy every moment and you will surely defeat the pain.
12. Foot pain
When you feel depressed and your mind is filled with negative thoughts.
Foot pain is quite common when you feel depressed and your mind is filled with negative thoughts. According to psychologist Dr. Adaobi Anyeji, negative self-talk increases stress and discomfort that manifests as physical pain.
Related: 10 Types of Physical Pain Indicating Emotional Problems
Physical pain may occur even when one is not aware of traumatic events in the past or the outcomes of trauma. It is because the human body sticks to unresolved issues and that growing negative emotion causes physical pain. So, try to let go of those negative feelings and let positivity flow in your life.
I hope you understood how you can get physical pain from emotions. So, whenever you are experiencing pain, pause, take a deep breath, then retrospect and introspect your life.
Share your thoughts on emotions and physical pain in the comments below and feel free to share the article with your friends.
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