Chronic pain is real, but is it what you think?
As Psychology Today explains, “Our biology does not strongly distinguish between physical and emotional pain, and neither should we” (Sadock, 2025, para. 2).
Whether pain is physical or emotional, it serves an important purpose of alerting us to danger or threat and has helped humans survive for thousands of years. But what happens when we experience pain without an immediate danger? This question brings us to the connection among chronic pain, trauma, thoughts about pain, past pain experiences and social influences which all influence how we experience pain.
I recently listened to two episodes of Dr. Aimie Apigian’s podcast, The Biology of Trauma, that explore this complex topic. Both episodes are accessible, relatable, and filled with clear explanations and practical information.
I have included the links below and encourage anyone interested in understanding their chronic pain or trauma to check them out.
The Biology of Trauma. (2026, October 6). Can emotional pain cause physical pain? Why the brain turns on pain for danger, with Dr. Howard Schubiner (Part 1). https://www.biologyoftrauma.com/post/can-emotional-pain-cause-physical-pain-dr-howard-schubiner-part-1
The Biology of Trauma. (2026, October 8). What happens when you release suppressed emotions? Why feeling safe eases pain, with Dr. Howard Schubiner (Part 2). https://www.biologyoftrauma.com/post/what-happens-when-you-release-suppressed-emotions-dr-howard-schubiner-part-2
Sadock, E. (2025, September 4). How physical and emotional pain overlap. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/your-body-has-something-to-tell-you/202508/how-physical-and-emotional-pain-overlap
Things can get better. Talking helps.
Contact me and book an appointment today.
