How the mind affects pain

The ability of the mind to affect our perception of pain is becoming more and more studied and understood,especially in medical circles. Once we can understand the role that the mind has on the body,we can design strategies,or utilise existing strategies to deal with pain. And the more we are able to do this,we find that it gets easier each time.

 Our focus plays an enormous part in the level of pain we may experience from day to day. When we are engaged in pleasurable activities,or when our mind is completely occupied in performing a task we enjoy,our likelihood of experiencing negative emotions or physical symptoms appears to lessen. But when we are worried and experiencing stress regarding an outcome,we are more likely to feel the tension build up in our body and create opportunities for injury.

 Often our anticipation of a negative outcome,even though it hasn’t happened yet,is enough to cause us to notice all types of physical symptoms – increased heart rate,rising blood pressure,pain in our joints – to name but a few. This is a very interesting phenomenon,because a lot of us are convinced that the level of pain we experience is directly connected to a mechanical cause.

 But consider,for example,if I have been working on a deadline and trying to get a report completed that is due at 8am the next morning,and I have also another five tasks that need to be completed before I can get to bed that night. I reach the wrong way for a folder and pull my lower back out.

 I might try and seek some pain relief and/or some sympathy. And if I succeed in getting some sympathy,I’ll likely feel the pain more and even cry about it! On the other hand,if I were to visit a retirement village on any given day,I would certainly find a number of residents who would be discussing their pain symptoms and aches frequently and in detail.

 But if I was to go at a time when the grandchildren are visiting,or if those wonderful people who do the rounds with companion animals were making the rounds,I would guess that a different atmosphere – one of happiness and delight – would be more the norm. What is the difference here? The difference is in one’s focus.

 In the first case,I was already resenting the tasks I had to do  – I had,as usual taken too much on. It is understandable that my focus would play a part in my perception of what was happening. The level of stress I was experiencing over the unending list of things I needed to complete no doubt contributed to my perception of the pain,if not the pain event itself.

And in the second case,the introduction of pleasurable associations is enough to drive away melancholy and associated feelings of physical and chronic pain and suffering,even for a short time. I invite you to notice in your own life the circumstances where you are more likely to suffer with pain symptoms – what are you focusing on at these times?

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