In the complex world of medicine, the odd situation where pain doesn’t match up with what we see in medical images is a fascinating paradox.
As a psychiatrist who works with patients struggling with both mood problems and chronic pain, I’m excited to dive into this curious puzzle and try to explain it from a mental health point of view.
Imagine this: Some people have MRI’s or CAT scans that reveal “pathology” but they don’t feel any pain. Additionally, in my area of interest, people will suffer with significant chronic pain yet imaging studies showed no abnormalities.
This paradox forces us to rethink what we thought we knew about how we feel pain.
Emotion and Pain
Looking at it from a psychiatric point of view, pain isn’t just about the physical side of things. What we perceive as “pain” involves our feelings, our thoughts and past experiences. The complex workings of our mind can change the way we feel about and experience pain.
Often, physical symptoms do not match up in any way with medical imaging results.
Studies tell us that our mental state can directly impact how much pain we feel. If we’re feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed, it can make the pain feel worse or better, no matter what the scans say. Additionally, chronic pain (in the absence of any pathology that can be seen or tested for) may serve a true functional purpose – namely, to protect us from frightening or threatening feelings making their way to consciousness.
This shows us just how important our mind is when it comes to feeling pain.
In my job, I’ve seen how closely linked emotional health and pain are. Helping someone with their mental struggles can reduce their pain, even when their medical images show something different.
By recognizing how often emotions can affect the pain we perceive, we open doors to treatments that are more tailored, more holistic and more effective.
Peter Zafirides, MD
Central Ohio Behavioral Medicine
PSYCHIATRY
COLUMBUS, OHIO
If you’re experiencing anxiety or depression do not take these symptoms lightly. The earlier you get help, the quicker you can find healing, because your symptoms truly can get better. Working with our psychiatrists is a proven path for dealing with such concerns. Contact us to talk about getting you the help you need and deserve.
