By Simple Organic Life| Life gets tough sometimes. You start
to feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster after a bit. But did you know
that those emotions can cause a decline in your physical health? Dr. Susan
Babel, a psychologist that specializes in trauma-induced depression, wrote in
Psychology Today, “Studies have shown that chronic pain might not only be
caused by physical injury but also by stress and emotional issues.”
Many people are already familiar with the fact that emotional stress can lead to stomachaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and headaches, but might not know that it can also cause other physical complaints and even chronic pain. One logical reason for this: studies have found that the more anxious and stressed people are, the more tense and constricted their muscles are, over time causing the muscles to become fatigued and inefficient.
“More
subtly, one might develop psychosomatic symptoms or stress-related symptoms
because of unresolved emotional issues”
“Often, physical pain functions to warn a person that there
is still emotional work to be done, and it can also be a sign of unresolved
trauma in the nervous system” she continued. So what could the various pains
you experience mean? Let’s go through it.
1) Pain
in your head
Pain in your head, like headaches and migraines, can be
triggered by the stresses of day to day life. Be sure to take time out of every
day to relax. Do something that eases the tension.
2) Pain
in your neck
Feeling a pain in your neck? You must have kids! Just
kidding. Pain in your neck is an indication that you may be having trouble with
forgiveness of others, or even yourself. If you’re feeling neck pain, consider
the things you love about yourself and others. Consciously work toward
forgiveness.
3) Pain
in your shoulders
Pain in your shoulders may indicate that you’re carrying a
real emotional burden. That’s where the saying “shouldering a problem” comes
from. Focus in on some proactive problem solving and distributing some of that
burden to other people in your life.
4) Pain
in your upper back
If you’re feeling pain in your upper back, you’re probably
coping with a lack of emotional support. You might be feeling unloved or you
could even be holding your love back. If you’re single, it might be time to go
for a date.
5) Pain
in your lower back
Lower back pain might mean you’re worrying too much about
money or you’re lacking in emotional support. It may be a good time to ask for
an overdue raise or consider a financial planner to help you utilize money a
little bit better. Don’t be afraid to
reach out to others for support.
6) Pain
in your elbows
Pain in your elbows has a lot to do with resisting changes
in your life. If your arms are feeling stiff, it may mean that you’re too stiff
in your life. It may be time to think about making compromises and shaking
things up a little bit. At the very least, go with the flow.
7) Pain
in your hands
With your hands, you reach out to others and connect. If
you’re feeling hand pain, it may mean that you’re not reaching out enough. Try
making new friends. Have lunch with an associate. Make a connection.
8) Pain
in your hips
If you’ve been afraid of moving, that may manifest as a pain
in the hips. Sore hips could be a sign that you’re too resistant to changes and
moves. It may also show a caution toward making decisions. If you’re thinking
on some big ideas, it’s time to make a decision.
9) Pain
in the knees
Knee pain can be a lot of different things, but it can be a
sign of a big ego. You might think that you’re a little bit too awesome. Humble
yourself. Spend some time volunteering. Make sure you remember that you’re
mortal. You’re just human.
10)
Pain in your calves
Calf pain is likely triggered by emotional tension of some
kind. Stress may also be the culprit. Jealousy may be causing your sore calves
too. It might be time to let go of something big.
11)
Pain in the ankles
Pain in your ankles may be a sign that you’re depriving
yourself of pleasure. It may mean it’s time to indulge a little bit more. Spice
up your romantic life a bit.
12)
Pain in your feet
When you’re depressed, you might feel some foot pain. Too
much negativity can manifest in your feet not feeling so good. Look for the
little joys in life. Find a new pet or a new hobby. Look for joy.
As she concluded in the article, “Although one might not be
aware of the lingering effect of the trauma, or believe that the traumatic
event has been put behind them, the body could be clinging to unresolved
issues.”
The next time you feel some physical pain, try looking
inside yourself to see what you are thinking, what you are holding on to, and
what emotions you are suppressing. Pain
acts as a spiritual warning sign that there is some healing that needs to be
done.
Sources: This
article was originally featured on simpleorganiclife.org, and was used with
permission from the author.