Why Stress and Pain Speak the Same Language

Did you know that your brain processes physical pain and emotional distress in almost the exact same regions? This is why, during times of high stress, a "bad back" might flare up, or a chronic headache might intensify.

Pain is a danger signal. Its only job is to protect you. However, our brains can’t always distinguish between a physical threat (like a broken bone) and an emotional threat (like work stress, repressed anger, or childhood trauma). When the brain perceives a threat to your well-being, it uses pain to get your attention and keep you "safe."

In our coaching sessions, we use Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and brain retraining to show the brain that it is actually safe. By identifying these "perceived threats" and learning to respond to our sensations with lightness and curiosity instead of fear, we take the power away from the pain.

Recovery isn't about "gritting your teeth" through the pain; it's about teaching your nervous system that it’s okay to stand down.