Why It’s Not Stress That Causes Chronic Pain and What Really Does
Why It’s Not Stress That Causes Chronic Pain and What Really Does
Chronic pain affects millions of people who’ve been told their symptoms are just from stress. They’ve tried relaxation techniques, stress management, and lifestyle changes, but nothing really seems to work. They’re left feeling stuck, exhausted, and frustrated that their body just won’t heal.
Why does the body stay in pain even when the injury has healed?
In this episode, Dr. Aimie challenges what most people believe about chronic pain. Instead of blaming stress, she shows how chronic pain actually comes from trauma experiences stored in the body, and why this matters so much for healing.
Drawing from her own experience with chronic shoulder pain after a collarbone fracture, Dr. Aimie explains how her body was storing trauma, not just stress. Even after surgery and treatments, the pain wouldn’t go away until she discovered what was really happening in her body.
You’ll discover the difference between stress and trauma physiology, why your body might be stuck in a chronic trauma response, and the hidden biochemical imbalances that make some people more vulnerable to a biology of trauma and chronic pain.
Helpful Links Related To This Episode
Related Podcast Episodes:
- Episode 91: The Neuroscience of Chronic Pain: How Our Brain Predicts And Creates A Biology of Pain with Dr. Howard Schubiner
- Episode 96: Pain as Protection: Why Your Body Creates Chronic Pain & The 3 Questions to Ask to Release It
Related Youtube Videos:
Trauma Behind Chronic Pain: Break the Cycle | Dr. Aimie Apigian
Guides, Tools & Resources:
- Biology of Trauma book – how the body experiences and holds fear, pain and overwhelm, and how to heal. Pre-order now and, at the time of this recording, you’ll get over $400 in bonuses included! Those bonuses are only for the pre-order window which goes until Sept 22, 2025. When you’ve already pre-ordered it on Amazon head over here to receive your bonuses.
- The 21 Day Journey – If you’re ready to create a felt sense of safety in your body then join me for your 21-Day Journey, a structured sequence of gentle, somatic-based self-practices walking you through The Essential Sequence to safely open up stored trauma in the body.
- 3 Most Common Biochemical Imbalances In Mood and Trauma Healing – Discover the common biochemical imbalances that are frequently at the core of mood and trauma patterns. Learn how these imbalances are identified and addressed to help improve emotional well-being.
KEY MOMENTS:
- [1:45] Why stress does NOT cause chronic pain (and what actually does!)
- [5:20] The critical line of overwhelm that turns stress into trauma
- [11:34] What happens in the nervous system when you feel trapped and powerless
- [16:33] Why unresolved trauma keeps your body stuck in a danger response
- [21:15] The role of biochemical imbalances and why they increase pain sensitivity
- [26:06] How oxidative stress and mitochondria contribute to functional freeze
- [30:12] The hidden link between copper excess, anxiety, and chronic pain
- [34:52] Practical steps to repair your biology and help your body feel safe again
Disclaimer:
By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical, psychological, or mental health advice to treat any medical or psychological condition in yourself or others. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician, therapist, psychiatrist, or other qualified health provider regarding any physical or mental health issues you may be experiencing. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Trauma Healing Accelerated, any guests or contributors to The Biology of Trauma® podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Trauma Healing Accelerated be responsible for damages arising from the use or misuse of the content provided in this podcast.
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Foundational Journey
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Be safely guided step-by-step through the essential process for addressing stored trauma in your body.
Disclaimer:
By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Trauma Healing Accelerated, any guests or contributors to The Biology of Trauma podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Trauma Healing Accelerated be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast.
