Let’s face it, acknowledging that you experienced childhood trauma from generational trauma is a tough pill to swallow. It’s not always easy to accept that, “yep, my childhood was very painful.” But did you know that there are emotional, mental, and, yes, physical manifestations that can actually be key indicators of childhood trauma?
How did my childhood impact my chronic pain?
Around the world, millions of people suffer from chronic pain, which has a variety of causes. So many factors can contribute to the development of chronic pain, including injury, illness, and genetic predisposition; yet, did you know that recent research has also identified a link between childhood experiences and chronic pain in adulthood?
Childhood experiences profoundly impact your physical and emotional health. The long-term effects can be significant and far-reaching when you experience a difficult childhood (whether you remember it or not).
This is because childhood trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction, alters brain and nervous system developmentโ leading to physical and emotional changes that can last into adulthood.ย
In addition to chronic pain, childhood trauma can contribute to a range of other physical health issues, including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and digestive problems. And the emotional effects of childhood trauma can be equally far-reaching and may include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse.
Most times, the emotional impact of generational trauma is more apparent. Yet, the physical manifestation of the pain has a significant effect and isn’t discussed. This leads to many women being medically gaslit because doctors aren’t considering how trauma has impacted their physical health.
It’s important to remember that not everyone who experiences childhood trauma will develop physical or emotional health issues, and many factors can influence an individual’s resilience and ability to cope.
Recognizing the potential impact of childhood experiences on our health is an essential first step toward healing and recovery.
What does my ACE score tell me about my risk for physical symptoms as an adult?
Do you know your ACE score? If not, take the quiz here. Studies show that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, can increase the risk of developing chronic pain later in life.
In fact, individuals who experienced four or more ACEs are at a significantly higher risk of chronic pain than those who experienced none.
So how does childhood trauma lead to chronic pain?
One theory is that ACEs can lead to changes in the nervous system, including increased sensitivity to pain and decreased pain tolerance. This can result in a heightened pain response to even minor stimuli and an increased risk of developing chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
If you are experiencing chronic pain, talking to your healthcare provider about your symptoms and potential underlying causes is essential. This is why finding trauma-informed care is so key for adult survivors of childhood trauma.
Trauma-informed care is when providers help you develop a treatment plan that considers your unique needs and experiences and provides resources for managing pain and promoting healing.
In conclusion, childhood experiences can significantly impact our physical and emotional health and can contribute to the development of chronic pain later in life.
By recognizing the link between childhood trauma and chronic pain, we can better understand this complex condition and work toward effective treatment and prevention strategies instead of covering up the pain with medication for the rest of your life.
