With the growing research in pain science highlighting the role of the brain, it’s understandable that many people think this means pain is ‘all in their head’.
But that is not true.
Pain is real. And while your brain is involved in the pain experience, it is not the source of all your pain – it is simply the system that helps protect you.
Pain can seem confusing
If you were taught that pain is only a sign of tissue damage, it might not make sense when:
- You experience pain even though you haven’t injured yourself
- Your pain flares up after a stressful week despite no change in physical activity
- Scans show tissue changes even when you don’t feel any pain.
These patterns can make more sense when we understand how pain actually works.
Pain is your body’s protective alarm system
We are complex ecosystems. Pain is an alarm within that ecosystem, influenced by numerous factors – not just physical stress on tissues. These can include:
- Sleep and fatigue
- Stress and mood
- Past pain experiences
- Beliefs and fears about pain
- Physical load and activity levels.
Your sensitivity to pain can also change daily. That’s why your symptoms can fluctuate even when nothing seems to have changed physically.
So, is pain psychological?
Your brain is involved in pain, just as it’s involved in everything you do. It gathers information from your nerves, tissues, beliefs and environment, and decides whether you need protection. Pain is one way your body protects you – it is not a sign of weakness or something imagined.
Understanding this gives you more options to help reduce pain and build resilience.
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References:
- Lehman, G. (2017). Recovery Strategies - Pain Guidebook. Retrieved from Reconciling Biomechanics with Pain Science: http://www.greglehman.ca/recovery-strategies-pain-guidebook
