Pain that comes without any apparent cause? Let's talk about 'psychogenic pain'

Have you ever had a pain somewhere in your body and had to see many doctors without finding a cause? You may have thought, "They say there is nothing wrong with my body, so why does it hurt so much?" At a time like this, it is normal to feel very frustrated and lonely. But the pain you are feeling is 100% real . It is not something you have imagined or acted out. Today we are talking about these kinds of pains that arise without any visible illness in the body, but are connected to our mind.

What is 'Psychogenic Pain'?

Simply put, "Psychogenic Pain" is an old term that doctors don't use much anymore. It means "originating in the mind." In the past, this name was used for pain that occurred without any physical injury or illness.

But this word caused a great misunderstanding. Many people thought that it was a "mental illness" or a "mental disorder." Because of this, people who were really suffering felt like no one understood them or cared about them. That's why doctors today avoid using this word.

How does pain actually work in our bodies?

This topic will become clearer if you understand a little about how pain is felt. Imagine that something hot touches your hand.

1. Detecting damage: When skin cells on the hand are damaged, special chemicals are released.

2. Sending a signal: Our nervous system has special sensors called ``Nociceptors.'' Just like a siren goes off when you smell smoke in a house, these sensors detect the chemicals and send a high-speed signal to the brain saying, "There's something wrong here!"

3. Understanding by the brain: The brain receives this signal and translates it into the sensation of "pain." It also recognizes where that signal came from, making you feel the pain in your hand .

4. Protective response: As soon as you feel this pain, you quickly withdraw your hand. That is the main function of pain - to protect us from danger.

But, here's the important thing. Sometimes, even without any injury, without any signal from those `(Nociceptors)`, the brain can create the sensation of pain on its own. Also, sometimes these `(Nociceptors)` can be activated for no reason and send false signals to the brain. Either way, the pain you feel is real. It's caused by some change in the functioning of the nervous system or the brain.

Why does everyone experience pain differently?

Pain is a very personal experience. What one person experiences in a single event may be unbearable, another person may find it normal. Think of how we cry when we are injected with medication as a child, and how we cope with it as adults. Many factors influence this, including our mental state, genes, and past experiences.

The amount of pain you feel can increase, especially when you're anxious, sad, or depressed. This is because emotions like pain and sadness and fear are controlled by the same parts of the brain .

What are the main factors that affect this kind of pain?

There is no single cause for pain without a physical cause. It's like a puzzle. It's all about the pieces coming together to create the condition. Let's look at what those factors are.

As these factors accumulate over time, the system that controls pain changes, increasing the risk of developing chronic pain.

What are the treatments for this?

When treating this type of pain, you don't just treat the area where the pain is. You plan your treatment by considering the whole person, your body, mind, emotions, and social background.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT ): This is the most commonly used and most effective treatment. It involves training you to change the way you think about and respond to pain.
• Group Therapy: Talking to others who are going through the same problems as you can be a great source of relief. You can also exchange ideas.
• Physical Therapy : A physical therapist helps reduce the effects of pain on the body (e.g., muscle stiffness) and strengthen the body.
• Medication: Sometimes, medications for depression or anxiety can help reduce this type of pain. It's like killing two birds with one stone. But these should definitely be taken under the advice of a doctor .
• Other methods: Some people have also found relief from things like mindfulness meditation, yoga, and acupuncture.

It is best to talk to your doctor and decide which treatment is best for you.

Do you need to see a doctor?

Yes, absolutely. If you have long-term, unexplained pain, you shouldn't try to find a solution on your own.

• You can't diagnose it yourself: This pain feels like a backache or a stomachache. So only a doctor can determine whether it's a physical illness or not.
• Self-medication is dangerous: Over-the-counter painkillers may not relieve the pain. Also, turning to alcohol or other drugs for relief can lead to even bigger problems.
• Chronic pain is serious: Being in pain for a long time can also have a significant impact on your mental health. It can worsen conditions like anxiety and depression.

Therefore, please see a qualified doctor, discuss your problem openly, get the necessary tests done, and seek the right treatment.

Psychogenic pain, physical pain, mental health, unexplained pain, chronic pain, pain management, CBT therapy