Many of us believe that pain is just a physical response. On the other hand, many of us are unaware of our mind-body connections and that chronic pain can be a result of these interactions. Our anxiety, stress, thoughts, beliefs, and memories all control these connections and pain. Experiences of anxiety, stress, or fear increase our sense of danger, which in turn increases pain (Tew, 2022). PTSD worsens pain, so it is important to work on healing underlying traumas in order to address the whole body. EMDR or (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) can be used to address this trauma as well as the chronic pain that it is causing.
EMDR is also beneficial in that it can help lower the brains need for protection which decreases the pain that it puts on the body. Our brains are hypersensitive and can reflect pain anywhere in the body. EMDR is most beneficial in a strong client and therapist relationship. If we are unable to process traumatic events, this then can cause chronic pain when left untreated. It has been shown that stress and anxiety create inflammation in the brain and body, which increases pain. Hypnotherapy allows us to visualize and rewire our brains.
EMDR can help us to focus on target memories that are causing our pain. With EMDR we are able to reprocess this memory that is causing the pain. Do you experience chronic pain and think that it could be more mental or emotional than it is physical? EMDR can help us with the mindfulness interventions needed to focus and listen to the pain that needs to be rewired. Chronic pain is our bodies way of asking for help.
Chronic pain can impact us:
- Physically
- Emotionally
- Mentally
- Spiritually
- Cognitively
EMDR phases that help lower chronic pain:
- Stabilization or (Preparation) Phase
In the stabilization phase, it can be beneficial to work on stimulating breathing exercises as well as incorporating a safe state. This process helps to reduce stress and the need to protect the body.
- Assessment Phase
Which will help you to identify the memory that needs to be processed. This memory can help to alleviate the built up or stuck trauma that is causing the pain.
- Processing or (Body Scan) Phase
The processing phase allows us to address trauma that is influencing the pain. This phase can help us to focus on the pain that is occurring right now. This addresses not only the pain, but our emotional responses that increase the pain as well.
Physical symptoms of pain caused by built up emotions:
- Lack of mobility
- Low energy
- Muscle or joint pain
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Unexplainable pain
Mindfulness interventions:
- Focusing or listening to the pain
- Imaginal exposure or confronting the traumatic memories
- Stress management techniques such as, deep breathing, meditation, and yoga, to help cope and relax
Each phase of the EMDR process is crucial for treatment. But the three phases listed above can be considered three of the most important phases when it comes to targeting chronic pain that is caused by stuck trauma. Educate yourself fully on all eight phases of the EMDR process when figuring out if EMDR is right for you. Chronic pain may come from physical trauma, but it can also be coming from mental, emotional, and spiritual trauma as well, long after the physical trauma has healed. Understand your body and the emotions that are causing your pain.
We must be willing to work on the stuck trauma to overcome chronic pain. Therapy can be a great tool for those who are experiencing unexplainable chronic pain. Create mindfulness and learn to understand your pain. It can be hard to relax when we are experiencing pain or discomfort, try working on stress management techniques that may help such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga. If you feel that EMDR might be right for you, reach out to a trained therapist that is certified in EMDR therapy.
