We’ve already covered how your emotions relate to body pain. However, we’re yet to cover the physical consequences. That’s our goal for today: how emotions and physical pain manifest in your life.
Our main subject will be muscle tension. Naturally, that’s the main factor behind body discomfort. Physical pain from emotions typically originates from this tension.
Furthermore, we’ll dive into five examples and what causes them.
Understanding muscle tension
Also known as muscle rigidity, muscle tension is the most common muscle pain cause. It refers to a stiffness sensation in your muscles. Typically, it comes from your muscles’ inability to relax.
Being common after physical activity, most people experience this in their lives. If you work out, it might be a daily occurrence. Luckily, it’s rarely a serious health condition.
How does it represent the body and mind connection?
On the other hand, muscle tension doesn’t always stem from physical exertion. It’s a fantastic example of the link between emotions and physical pain. Anxiety and stress usually cause your muscles to tense up.
That’s why massage rooms usually employ aromatherapy and relaxation techniques. Relaxing your mind is outstanding against muscle tension.
For instance, you can test this body and mind connection at home. Massage your shoulders during work or stressful situations. They’ll likely feel like a rock.
Muscle tension: 6 types of physical pain from emotions
Psychology Today has an outstanding article on the link between body and mind. It sheds light on how our body responds to emotions. Naturally, stress is the most common reason behind muscle tension.
As such, let’s go through their five instances while adding a bit more. What’s the scientific research backing these claims?
Shoulders
Our shoulders are among the most common signs of tension. If you’ve had a massage after a long day at work, you know that. High-stress occupations—from cashiers to managers—usually result in shoulder pain.
Neck
Our neck and shoulders are intimately linked. Most traditions recognize it as a “stress storage” section in our bodies. The previously linked study pairs the neck with our shoulders as well.
Back
Stress and anxiety also reflect on our entire back. For the mid-back, breathing shifts from anxiety cause strain in the area. The shoulders also affect this section. Our lower back suffers from stress-originated sedentary tendencies.
Interestingly, depression could also be a prominent back pain factor.
Stomach
Anyone who’s suffered from anxiety knows that the stomach can be a nightmare. Curiously, that’s not coincidental. Your stomach reflects your anxiety. For instance, anxiety is a commonly suggested risk factor for IBS.
Hips
While it might sound weird, your hips are highly sensitive to emotions. Yoga experts regularly preach your hips’ emotional relevance. Hip openers focus on releasing tension in the area. They seem to translate into relaxation and shedding stress.
Jaw
You might not notice it most of the time. Nevertheless, our jaws tend to experience more tension than any other muscle. Stress and anxiety regularly manifest through our jaws before moving elsewhere.
How can you minimize physical pain from emotions?
Naturally, the best way to reduce physical pain from emotions is relaxing. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. You’ll essentially battle your mind, and that’s a formidable foe.
Thankfully, you have countless tools in your arsenal. You can try many approaches that target your body and mind simultaneously. Seek help with your emotions and physical pain will decrease considerably.
Some things you can try include:
- Massage therapy.
- Aromatherapy.
- Psychological help.
- Yoga.
- Tai chi.
- Resistance and cardio routines.
- Warm baths after arriving home.
- Hanging out with loved ones.
Basically, anything that can take your mind off your stressors will alleviate your muscle pain. Ideally, you ought to focus on what works for you.
The holistic takeaway
Our emotions and physical pain share an intimate connection. Significant stress activates our “flight or fight” response, tensing our muscles. That’s why you can feel body pain without any physical activity throughout the day.
Sadly, it’s challenging to identify physical pain from emotions. Thus, you should prioritize reducing stress and anxiety altogether. Everything you do for your mind benefits your body. Likewise, improving your physical health brings peace of mind.
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