EMDR & Pain | High Peak Therapy

EMDR and Pain

Pain is created in the brain and projected in to the body. This explains referred pain, where we are hurt in one part of our body but feel the pain in some other area or pain spreads all over the body rather than the original site of injury. In the case of persistent pain the brain has become hypersensitive through central sensitization. It has created a brain map that can spill over into other areas of the brain so other parts of the body are affected, not just the damaged part.

I have over six years working in Pain Management in an NHS Pain Management Service, therefore if you see me for EMDR and pain we will also be incorporating pain neuro education and strategies that help manage pain if you wish.

How does EMDR help with pain?

EMDR helps manage pain and helps you feel you are more able to cope with it, for some people it can reduce it or in some cases eliminate the pain. For those who have experienced trauma (that can be big traumas, such as abuse, serious accidents, natural disasters, war or little t trauma that refers to events that typically don't involve violence or disaster, but do create significant distress) before the onset of pain it can really help to dissolve the emotional connection with the memories, thoughts, feelings and sensations which in turn provide relaxation of the sympathetic nervous system (the flight, fight or freeze response) and helps manage pain over time.

Ways in which EMDR helps with pain:

Mind-Body Connection: Emotional and psychological states can influence physical sensations, including pain. Addressing and resolving traumatic experiences or emotional distress through EMDR may alleviate the overall stress and tension in the body, potentially leading to a reduction in physical pain.
Reduced Stress Response: Trauma and chronic stress can exacerbate physical pain. EMDR therapy aims to reduce the impact of distressing memories, which in turn can lower overall stress levels. Lower stress may lead to a decreased perception of pain.
Improved Coping Skills: EMDR can help individuals develop better coping mechanisms and emotional regulation skills. When people can manage their emotional responses more effectively, they may perceive physical pain as less intense or distressing.
Pain Processing in the Brain: Some studies suggest that EMDR may affect how the brain processes pain signals. By altering certain neural pathways related to both emotional distress and pain perception, EMDR might indirectly influence the experience of physical pain.

If you are experiencing significant physical pain you should ensure you have consulted a medical professionals, such as doctors or physical therapists, for appropriate evaluation and treatment prior to having therapy.