For many people living with chronic pain, the search for answers often focuses on physical injury, illness, or structural changes in the body. But research increasingly shows that unresolved psychological trauma can also play a significant role in the persistence or intensity of physical pain.
This doesn’t mean the pain is “all in your head” — far from it. Trauma can alter the way the nervous system processes pain, making genuine physical symptoms last longer, feel more intense, or appear without a clear physical cause. By understanding the mind–body connection, we can open the door to more effective, compassionate treatment. At the Pain Collective, we see patients every day where trauma plays a role in perpetuating our patient’s symptoms.
What is Trauma and How Does it Affect the Body?
Trauma refers to the emotional and psychological impact of distressing or life-threatening events. It can result from a single incident, such as a serious accident or assault (acute trauma), or from ongoing adverse experiences, like childhood neglect, abuse, or living in unsafe environments (complex or developmental trauma). The trauma may be physical but does not have to be.
When trauma is not fully processed, the brain and body can remain in a state of high alert, as though the danger never ended. This state — driven by the nervous system — can disrupt normal healing processes, amplify pain signals, and keep the body locked in protective tension.
Key effects of trauma on the body include:
- Over-activation of the sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight” mode)
- Dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls stress hormones
- Heightened pain sensitivity (hyperalgesia) or abnormal pain perception
The Science Behind Trauma and Pain
Scientific research confirms that trauma can change the brain’s pain-processing systems:
- Amygdala – The brain’s fear centre can become hyperactive, priming the body to react strongly to stress or discomfort.
- Prefrontal cortex – This area, which normally helps regulate emotional and pain responses, may become less active after trauma.
- HPA axis – Long-term stress can cause cortisol imbalances, affecting immune function and inflammation levels.
- Central sensitisation – The spinal cord and brain become more responsive to pain signals, meaning even minor triggers can cause significant discomfort.
These changes mean that the body may continue to produce pain long after an injury has healed — or without any injury at all.
Common Types of Pain Associated with Trauma
Certain chronic pain conditions are more commonly linked to trauma, including:
- Fibromyalgia – Widespread muscle and joint pain with fatigue and sleep problems
- Chronic pelvic pain – Persistent pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis without clear medical cause
- Tension headaches and migraines – Often linked to sustained muscle tension and stress response
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – Digestive discomfort and altered bowel habits tied to nervous system dysregulation
- Chronic back or neck pain – May be worsened by prolonged muscle guarding and stress
These conditions are real, physical experiences — but they can be influenced by unresolved psychological patterns.
How Trauma Triggers or Exacerbates Pain Responses
When someone has experienced trauma, the nervous system may interpret normal sensations as threats. This can:
- Increase muscle tension as the body stays on guard
- Trigger inflammatory responses that irritate nerves and tissues
- Lower the threshold for pain, making sensations feel more severe
- Lead to hypervigilance, where the person constantly scans for danger, amplifying stress and discomfort
This is why even after physical healing, pain can persist — the nervous system has learned to keep the “alarm system” switched on.
Diagnosing Trauma-Linked Chronic Pain
Diagnosing trauma-related pain requires a holistic approach. Clinicians may:
- Take a detailed patient history, including significant life events and stressors
- Rule out structural or disease-based causes through standard medical assessments including special tests such as MRI scanning
- Use mind–body screening tools to assess stress, mood, and trauma symptoms
- Collaborate with mental health professionals for integrated care
Integrative Approaches to Healing
Treating trauma-linked chronic pain works best when both the mind and body are addressed. Evidence-based approaches include:
- Somatic therapy – Helps release trauma stored in the body through gentle movement and awareness
- Trauma-focused CBT – Restructures unhelpful thought patterns while teaching coping strategies
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Reprocesses traumatic memories in a less distressing way
- Mindfulness and meditation – Calms the nervous system and reduces stress reactivity
- Bodywork – Massage, myofascial release, or gentle stretching to reduce muscle tension and improve body awareness
When to Seek Help
It may be time to reach out for professional support if:
- Your pain has no clear medical cause, or persists despite treatment
- Stress, anxiety, or past experiences seem to make symptoms worse
- Pain is interfering with sleep, work, or daily life
- You have other trauma-related symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, or persistent hypervigilance
A trauma-informed therapist or pain specialist can work with you to create a personalised treatment plan.
Building a Supportive Lifestyle
Healing from trauma-related pain isn’t just about therapy sessions. Everyday choices can help:
- Gentle movement – Yoga, walking, or swimming to improve circulation and calm the nervous system
- Supportive relationships – Spending time with people who listen without judgement
- Grounding techniques – Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or sensory exercises
- Creative expression – Journaling, art, or music to process emotions
- Balanced routine – Consistent sleep, healthy meals, and rest periods
Final Thoughts
Chronic pain linked to trauma is a genuine, physical experience — not a sign of weakness or exaggeration. Recognising the role trauma plays in pain is the first step towards lasting relief. With the right support, it’s possible to retrain the nervous system, process unresolved emotions, and regain quality of life.