Trauma experienced as a child does not directly cause chronic pain in adulthood. However, a wide cross-section of studies has identified the connection between the two. The more a child endures adverse events, the more they struggle with physiological problems as an adult.
Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs) come in many forms. A few examples would include neglect, abuse, and domestic violence. These traumatic events can be a one-time thing or they might be ongoing and chronic. Either way, they alter how our bodies deal with stress and thus increase the likelihood of physical issues later in life.
How the Body Responds to ACEs
In times of danger, we are hard-wired to respond. This fight-or-flight reaction can save our lives. However, we get stuck in this cycle, since our bodies cannot tell the difference between real and imagined risks. So, let’s say a child goes through a traumatic event like the death of a loved one. At such a young age, we are not well-equipped to process and resolve the trauma.
In that state, the painful memories can endure. They may even manifest as a condition called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These emotional blockages are expressed in a variety of physical and psychological ways. You may experience nightmares, flashbacks, depression, anxiety, and yes, chronic pain.
How Is Childhood Trauma Connected To Chronic Pain?
The varied symptoms of PTSD can contribute to the presence of chronic pain and also influence pain levels. For example:
Compromised Immune Function
The chronic wear and tear of being stuck on high alert can wreak havoc on your immune system — causing it to turn on your own body. With each ACE you experience, the greater the chance you will be hospitalized with a painful autoimmune disorder.
Sleep Disturbances
Undergoing or witnessing abuse or violence often causes a person to have sleep issues. ACEs can result in nightmares and reliving the events. Chronic pain adds to the problems. The lack of restful sleep exacerbates the pain and the cycle continues from there.
Lack of Emotional Regulation
PTSD can make emotional regulation a major challenge. The same parts of your brain that handle this task are responsible for regulating pain. As a result, you may be setting another cycle into motion. Unresolved trauma can result in the creation of unhealthy coping mechanisms. In turn, dysfunctional emotional coping may throw out your ability to manage pain. As emotions grow out of control, so does pain.
Hyper-Vigilance
Part of the cycle of PTSD is a disproportionate response to anything that could possibly be a threat. If it produces change — even minor, benign change — it can set off a trauma survivor. This misinterpretation of daily events shifts how the brain experiences pain. Just a light touch or sensation can become enough to produce extreme, ongoing pain. Of course, this type of response only serves to reinforce the perception of danger.
Stress Hormones
Under ideal conditions, your body produces stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to handle a crisis. Someone who has lived through ACEs may experience relentless production of such chemicals because they perceive themselves as being perpetually in crisis. The presence of unhealthy amounts of stress hormones has been found to increase a person’s sensitivity to pain. Feeling severe pain despite the lack of an obvious cause is yet another way that the stress-pain feeds off itself.
It’s time to Ask For Help
As you can see, there comes a point where cause and effect become tough to identify. You need to consult with a skilled professional to guide you through the recovery process. I’d love to help you move toward healing and into a pain-free life. Please contact me. To read more about Trauma and PTSD Treatment, click here.