Chronic pain: your pain, behavior, and emotions are ALL connected
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Chronic pain affects over 50 million adults in the United States2, and for approximately 17 million of these individuals, it limits their ability to engage in daily activities. This statistic alone is staggering but doesn’t tell the full story.
In addition to the profound effects on physical health, pain also has a negative impact on emotional well-being and behavior. Often, people living with chronic pain report feelings of sadness or depression3, heightened anxiety1, a decline in energy levels5, and sleep disturbances4.
Chronic pain, physical health, and mental health are interconnected in a complex cycle that can be difficult to break.
The Connection Between Pain, Emotions, and Behaviors
Let’s look at a common scenario many people with chronic pain experience. Imagine you wake up in the morning with intense pain. Immediately, you feel a wave of anxiety and sadness, worrying about how bad the pain will get throughout the day.
Thoughts like, “What if this doesn’t get better?” or “I’m not sure I can handle this,” begin to dominate your mind.
These emotions may impact your behavior during the rest of your day. You may avoid physical activity, fearing that movement will worsen the pain. You might cancel plans with friends or family, anticipating that your pain-induced irritability or low mood could negatively affect others.
As the day progresses, the pain worsens and the sadness continues, leading you to find comfort in unhealthy choices. You might reach for comfort food to soothe your emotions, coffee to boost energy, or even alcohol to numb the pain.
Unfortunately, these coping mechanisms often backfire. Unhealthy eating, increased caffeine, and alcohol intake can further intensify your symptoms.
And so, the cycle continues: you wake up the next day more exhausted, irritable, and anxious, with the pain feeling worse than before.
Now, let’s imagine a different scenario. Picture waking up in the morning with little or no pain after a restful night’s sleep. Your emotions are more positive, you feel more relaxed and optimistic about the day ahead. Since you slept well, you have the energy to engage in behaviors and activities you enjoy, such as a light exercise routine or spending time with loved ones.
Throughout the day, you make healthier food choices, opting for fruits and vegetables that nourish your body and contribute to your overall well-being. You don’t need caffeine to stay alert or alcohol to cope with discomfort because your pain is manageable. By the end of the day, you feel accomplished and content, and when it’s time to sleep, you fall asleep easily, ready to face another day.
These two scenarios highlight the deep connection between pain, emotions, and behaviors. Chronic pain is not just a physical experience; it affects every aspect of your life, from your mood to your energy levels, to your decision-making. Understanding this connection is so important for managing chronic pain.
While pain medication and other pharmacological treatments can provide relief, they often address only one part of the problem. Chronic pain requires a more holistic approach—one that considers how pain impacts your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.
Rheumission’s Approach
At Rheumission, we understand that managing chronic pain goes beyond prescribing medication. Our multidisciplinary team of autoimmune experts, including rheumatologists, registered dietitians, lifestyle medicine providers, and chronic pain psychologists, collaborates to provide whole-person care tailored to you and your needs.
Our goal is to improve not only your physical pain, but your overall quality of life, by addressing how pain impacts your emotions and behaviors.
One of the key components of our approach is the inclusion of autoimmune psychological support. During your sessions, your provider will ask you questions about your pain, such as when and where the pain occurs, how it affects your mood, and how you respond to it. Together, you and your autoimmune psychologist will explore the emotional and behavioral patterns that may be contributing to the persistence or worsening of your pain.
You’ll talk about coping strategies that can help you break the cycle of pain, negative emotions, and unhelpful behaviors. These strategies may include mindfulness practices, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or techniques for improving sleep quality and managing stress.
Ultimately, the goal of our holistic treatment approach is to empower you to take control of your pain and improve your quality of life. We believe that addressing pain’s impact on both your physical and mental health can help you achieve lasting relief and well-being.
If you are living with chronic pain, know that you are not alone, and there are solutions that can help. Together, we can break the cycle of pain and empower you to reclaim your life.
To learn more about our Rheumission approach to care, please visit the Approach section of our site, or book a 15-minute intro call with one of our providers. The Rheumission Way helps you get back to being you, with more joy and less pain. We will listen to you and co-create a plan that works for where you are now, and where you want to be. We are always here for you.
About the Author
Lize Tibiriçá, PsyD, is a Clinical Psychologist who also holds a master’s degree in Ergonomics and Occupational Safety. Dr. Tibiriçá utilizes an integrative approach to psychology specifically designed to meet each person's needs and facilitate long-lasting change. She is dedicated to working with her clients to improve their quality of life and well-being. She listens to and invites her clients to actively participate in decisions related to their treatment.
Note: This information is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new healthcare regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.