The Social Pain & Physical Pain Connection

Pain is a complex process. It's multifactorial. And unfortunately there's often not just one answer when it comes to non-mechanical and non-physical therapy solutions.

One of these factors that may be influencing our pain is our social life.

Research is now showing:

  • Social pain and physical pain share the same neural pathways and inflammatory responses

  • Social factors may increase vulnerability to chronic pain via both focal exposure to major life stressors (e.g., trauma) and through chronic exposure to socially painful situations (e.g., ostracism, isolation and prolonged social conflict)

  • Negative emotional states provoked by negative social interactions can trigger or worsen physical pain

  • Two primary contributors to more effective pain adaptation are positive emotional states and meaningful social ties, including social support, which may predict lower levels of pain intensity and bolster more effective psychological responses under painful conditions

  • Find something that will make you laugh

  • Too much social Support can be detrimental as it can reduce self-efficacy and independence

What to do:

Focus on your social circle to improve your health just like you would with diet or exercise.

  • Unfollow and cut ties with toxic negative people

  • Look for positive and optimistic people and media to create an upward spiral

  • Try to make everyday interactions positive (ie grocery store, passing strangers, etc)

  • Be kind. Be the change you want to see in the world.

If you are having a serious issue, seek professional help from a social worker, counselor, or therapist.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4869967/