Chronic pain is a multifaceted experience, deeply intertwined with both physical and emotional layers of our being.
Two weeks ago, I led an introductory yoga therapy class for individuals suffering from back pain. This session offered insights into the physical sensations of pain and the powerful emotional and psychological ties that often accompany it.
The class moved at a slow, intentional pace. Rather than rushing through postures, the focus was on cultivating body awareness and curiosity about the pain residing within the body. For many participants, this approach was as eye-opening as it was challenging.
The simplicity of tuning into one’s body, free from distractions, revealed a deeper truth about the way we experience and respond to pain.
The Disconnection from Our Bodies
In today’s fast-paced world, staying busy is often equated with success. Downtime is viewed as a luxury, and moments of stillness—free from screens and distractions—are rare. Over time, this relentless busyness leads to a troubling disconnection from our bodies.
When pain arises, instead of acknowledging it, we often suppress or avoid it. We treat it like an unwelcome intruder, isolating it in a mental “box” labeled “DO NOT TOUCH.” Unfortunately, this approach often worsens the problem. The more we ignore pain, the more our brain perceives it as a threat. This activates the body’s stress response, sending signals to tense up and remain on high alert. Ironically, this added tension can amplify the very pain we’re trying to avoid.
Listening to the Body’s Signals
During the yoga therapy session, I encouraged participants to pause and connect with their bodies. Through gentle movement and breathing practices, we explored the pain without judgment. Where was it located? Did it radiate to other areas? Was it sharp, dull, or achy? These questions helped participants become more familiar with their body’s signals—signals they had perhaps ignored for years.
Pain is the body’s way of communicating that something needs attention. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or a combination of both, pain carries valuable information. By learning to listen to and understand these signals, we can begin to address the root causes rather than merely treating the symptoms.
The Emotional Dimension of Pain
One of the most enlightening moments during the session came when participants realized that back pain—and pain in general—goes beyond just physical causes. While structural issues like poor posture, injuries, or muscle imbalances play a role, pain often has an emotional dimension as well.
Have you ever noticed how stress or anxiety can cause your shoulders to tighten or your jaw to clench? Emotions have a profound impact on the body. When we suppress feelings such as sadness, anger, or fear, they often manifest as physical tension or pain.
The body remembers what the mind tries to forget.
For those living with chronic back pain, this connection between physical pain and emotion can create a vicious cycle. The pain triggers feelings of frustration or helplessness, which in turn leads to more tension and discomfort. Breaking this cycle requires addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the underlying emotional factors.
Releasing Tension Through Awareness
During the class, participants practiced using movement and breath as tools for emotional release. For example, slow, intentional breathing helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the body’s stress response and promotes relaxation. Gentle stretches and mindful movement can help release stored tension and encourage the body to relax.
These practices not only alleviate physical discomfort but also create space for emotional processing. When we allow ourselves to fully feel and acknowledge our emotions—rather than suppressing them—they lose their grip on us. This emotional release can significantly reduce the tension that contributes to chronic pain.
When we allow ourselves to fully feel and acknowledge our emotions—rather than suppressing them—they lose their grip on us.
Rebuilding Trust in the Body
One common theme among participants was a lack of trust in their bodies. Many shared that they were hesitant to exercise or move freely, fearing that it might worsen their back pain. Despite trying physical therapy, ergonomic office chairs, or expensive mattresses, they still felt trapped by their pain.
Rebuilding this trust begins with small, mindful actions. By approaching movement with curiosity and care, we can gradually reestablish a sense of safety and confidence in our bodies. Yoga therapy provides a safe space to explore this process, offering tools to reconnect with the body in a supportive and nonjudgmental way.
The Correlation Between Physical Pain and Emotion
Scientific research supports the idea that there is a strong correlation between physical pain and emotion. Chronic pain often overlaps with conditions like anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma. This overlap highlights the need for an integrative approach to healing—one that considers both the body and the mind.
Ignoring the emotional aspects of pain is like trying to fix a leaking roof without addressing the source of the water. The leak will persist until the root cause is resolved. Similarly, addressing chronic pain requires looking beyond the physical symptoms to explore the emotional factors that may be contributing to it.
The First Step: Awareness
The journey to healing chronic pain begins with awareness. By tuning into the body’s signals and recognizing the emotional connections to pain, we can take the first step toward meaningful change. This process takes time and patience, but the rewards are profound.
If you’re someone who feels like your pain is working against you—someone who has tried every physical remedy without success—it may be time to explore a different approach. Yoga therapy invites you to pause, listen, and reconnect with your body in a way that promotes both physical and emotional healing.
Body scan meditation is a powerful and simple tool that helps you tune into your body, become aware of its sensations and signals, and shift your perception of pain. You can download my body scan meditation recording here.
An Invitation to Explore Yoga Therapy
Pain is not an enemy to be defeated. It’s a teacher, guiding us toward areas of our lives that need attention and care. If you’re ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing, I encourage you to explore the possibilities of yoga therapy.
By addressing the connection between chronic pain and emotion, you can begin to release tension, rebuild trust in your body, and cultivate a deeper sense of well-being. Take the first step today—your body and mind will thank you.
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