How Emotional Pain Creates Physical Pain

Summary

The brain processes both physical and emotional stressors in the same way, reacting to them as dangers. When we experience emotional pain, the body's stress hormones (like cortisol and adrenaline) are produced to prepare us for a fight or flight response. However, if we cannot act on these emotions, the chemicals get stored in soft tissue. Over time, these stored emotions block normal nerve and muscular function, leading to poor circulation, inflammation, and muscle contraction. This ongoing process can create pain as muscle fibers press on nerves, causing discomfort.

Takeaways

• 😀 The brain does not distinguish between physical and emotional stress; it responds to both in similar ways.
• 😀 Every thought triggers an electrical impulse that moves along nerve pathways, affecting the body.
• 😀 Stress hormones like adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine are produced in response to perceived danger.
• 😀 These stress hormones prepare the body for 'fight or flight' by providing energy and focus.
• 😀 If you can't physically fight or flee in response to emotional stress, the stress chemicals don't get used up.
• 😀 The stress chemicals are stored in the body's soft tissue, carrying the memory of the emotional stress.
• 😀 Stored stress hormones interfere with normal muscle and nerve function, leading to a static electrical condition in the body.
• 😀 Over time, this static electricity restricts blood flow and circulation of oxygen to certain body areas.
• 😀 Areas with poor circulation and oxygen flow become inflamed and contract as they try to get nutrients.
• 😀 Contracting muscle fibers press on nerves, causing them to react and create pain.
• 😀 Emotional stress, if not released, can manifest as physical pain in the body.

Q & A

How does the brain respond to physical and emotional injuries or stressors?

The brain doesn't differentiate between physical or emotional injuries or stressors. It responds in the same way to both, triggering the release of stress hormones to protect the body.

What role do soft tissue cells play in storing memories of pain?

Soft tissue cells store memories of pain, which can lead to physical discomfort in the body. This happens when emotional or physical stress is not properly processed or released.

What happens when you have a thought that you are in danger?

When you think you're in danger, the brain sends a signal of threat, triggering the production of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare your body for fight or flight.

How do stress hormones affect the body during a threat response?

Stress hormones like adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine provide energy to the body, preparing muscles for action. If you fight or flee, these chemicals are used as fuel and are burned up.

What happens when you can't respond to a stressor with fight or flight?

If you're unable to fight or flee, the stress chemicals that were produced have no mission, so they are stored in the body, often in soft tissues, which may result in pain later.

How do stored stress chemicals affect soft tissues?

Stored stress chemicals in soft tissue carry the biochemical imprint of the original stressor. These molecules block normal nerve and muscle function, creating a state of static electricity in the body.

What is the impact of repeated emotional stress on the body?

Repeated emotional stress leads to the buildup of stored stress chemicals in the body, which restricts blood flow and oxygen circulation, causing inflammation, muscle contraction, and ultimately pain.

Why do muscles contract when the body is under stress?

Muscles contract in response to low blood flow and oxygen, which are caused by stored stress chemicals. This contraction is an attempt to draw in nutrients and oxygen but leads to further discomfort and pain.

How does muscle contraction lead to pain?

When muscles contract, they press on nerves, which then react by sending pain signals to the brain. This is the sensation of pain that occurs when soft tissues are stressed.

What can be done to release stored stress chemicals from the body?

To release stored stress chemicals, it's important to address emotional and physical stress through methods such as relaxation techniques, physical therapy, exercise, or other healing practices that promote circulation and muscle relaxation.