Everyone experiences pain at some point in their lives, but people with depression or anxiety tend to face it more often. And to make matters worse, the pain is often more intense and harder to treat. The overlap of anxiety, depression, and pain is evident in chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and nerve pain. For instance, 65% of patients coping with depression also report having at least one pain symptom. Psychiatric disorders not only contribute to pain intensity and frequency, but also an increased risk of disability. 

At one time, researchers believed that the reciprocal relationship between pain, anxiety, and depression was psychological rather than biological. Chronic pain is depressing, after all, and major depression can feel physically painful. But, as researchers learn more about how the brain works and how the nervous system interacts with the rest of the body, they’ve discovered that pain shares some of the same mechanisms with anxiety and depression. Let’s learn more. 

Shared Biological Pathways 

Both pain and anxiety activate similar pathways in the brain, particularly those related to the body’s stress response. When a person experiences anxiety, the body’s fight or flight system is activated, which increases sensitivity to pain. At the same time, chronic pain can trigger anxiety by keeping the nervous system in a constant state of alert. For instance, persistent pain can lead to anxiety over the uncertainty of when the pain will return or worsen. 

Psychological Effects of Chronic Pain 

Chronic pain can lead to emotional stress, frustration, and helplessness. These psychological effects contribute to the development of anxiety disorders. When someone is living with ongoing discomfort, they often experience a fear of pain. This can lead to avoidance behaviors, such as limiting physical or social activities. Or, people may catastrophize, a common thought pattern where people fear the worst, such as believing that the pain will never get better, which increases anxiety and makes pain feel more intense. 

Anxiety Amplifies Pain Perception 

Anxiety causes the nervous system to become overly sensitive to physical sensations. This heightened awareness can make even mild pain feel severe. Furthermore, anxiety causes muscle tightness, which can contribute to pain, especially in the back, neck, and head. Anxiety can also make a person hypervigilant, causing them to become more aware of their pain. 

Pain and Anxiety Disorders 

Pain and anxiety are often co-occurring, especially in conditions like fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For example, fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain and is often accompanied by anxiety and depression. Also, the cause is unknown, making this condition even more stressful. Anxiety is also strongly linked to IBS, where pain and discomfort in the digestive tract are common. Then, anxiety can exacerbate IBS symptoms, leading to more pain. 

How to Break the Pain-Anxiety Cycle

While there is no tried and true way to break the pain-anxiety cycle completely, there are things you can do to manage your condition and ease your symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a powerful tool that can help you identify negative thoughts and behaviors related to pain and anxiety and replace them with positive ones. 

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help ease anxiety, and in turn, reduce the perception of pain by the nervous system. Physical therapy and exercise are also beneficial, as they release feel-good endorphins to naturally fight pain and enhance mood. In some cases, medications like antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms. 

Seeking Help for Chronic Pain and Anxiety in Agoura Hills, CA

Pain and anxiety are interconnected, often leading to an exhausting cycle where one condition worsens the other. Understanding this relationship is crucial in recognizing your need for a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the physical and emotional aspects of your pain. It’s also helpful in developing realistic expectations for your pain journey, as some days may be tougher due to underlying anxiety. 

The good news is that you can manage your anxiety, making it easier to deal with the pain condition, and in turn, reducing the stress and anxiety that come with it. To learn more about treating chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and substance use under one roof, contact Awakenings Treatment Center today.