Mental health affects not just your mind but your entire body. Various mental health issues can cause adverse reactions throughout the body, be it jaw aches or widespread muscle pain. Discover what your physical pain may be trying to tell you and how Avalon Malibu treats pain holistically and effectively.
Body Pain and Mental Health
Everyone has felt mild pain in their body ranging from headaches to neck pain. However, many suffer from long-lasting chronic as a direct side effect of untreated mental illness. Pain and its accompanying discomfort should not last for an extended period. Acute pain, which is the type of pain that most of us encounter, is defined as pain that generally lasts less than 3 to 6 months.
Yet, for some people, discomfort can persist longer than the typical 3 to 6 months or go and come back, both of which are detrimental to one’s wellbeing. We refer to this type of pain as persistent or chronic pain. Said chronic or persistent pain is discomfort that lasts longer than it should.
Chronic pain can detrimentally affect your quality of life, making daily tasks such as going to work or participating in social activities sometimes unimaginable. Some side effects of chronic pain include insomnia, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Physical pain throughout the body can exacerbate numerous mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more.
Mental Health America revealed that backaches and headaches were associated with a higher risk of major depression in a study of individuals with chronic pain and depression. Additionally, it was discovered that compared to people without pain problems, individuals who had chronic pain experienced longer-lasting depression symptoms.
The Physical Effects of PTSD
Many people diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder may not even realize their chronic pain is related. Chronic pain can directly stem from traumatic events such as physical or sexual assault, car accidents, or disasters. According to the National Center for PTSD, around 15% to 35% of patients with chronic pain also have PTSD. Meanwhile, only 2% of those who don’t have chronic pain have PTSD.
The countless studies examining PTSD and chronic pain show that the mind has more control over the body than we think. PTSD isn’t the only mental health disorder that can create physical pain throughout the body. Any form of stress can cause physical symptoms, including anxiety’s side effects.
Anxiety, Stress, and Pain
Unlike PTSD, where trauma can rewire your brain and lead to pain, anxiety can cause us to create discomfort by tension. When experiencing stress, our muscles may tense up. Clenching your jaw or tensing your neck can cause temporary pain in these areas. However, if untreated, this pain can snowball into long-term chronic pain.
Of course, severe stress and anxiety can cause pain right in the source. From mild headaches to severe migraines, anxiety can lead to recurring headaches. In the end, this pain can be felt practically anywhere throughout the body. Chronic aches or stiffness anywhere along the spine, localized acute pain in the neck, upper or lower back, and chronic aches in the middle or lower back are all symptoms.
Treatments at Avalon Malibu
Fortunately, this pain is treatable. At Avalon Malibu, we know that pain stemming from mental illness can’t simply be solved with medication. Both the body and mind need to heal. We believe in holistic healing, including a mixture of therapeutic modalities that help alleviate pain and better understand yourself and your mental health. Some of our methods that target pain include:
Pain Management
At Avalon Malibu, we think it’s possible to improve our client’s quality of life and level of functioning while simultaneously lessening their pain. Having the proper knowledge, assistance, and guidance is essential. We work to spread these fundamental ideas so that people might find a calm environment where they can learn how to manage pain properly.
We provide assistance to those with chronic pain out of our primary location at the Grand House. Medication management, family-client education, mind-body connection, coping mechanisms, stress management, physical and occupational therapy (posture, body mechanics, ergonomics), relaxation training, and other services are available at Avalon Malibu.
Acupuncture and Massage Therapy
Your muscles can hold onto trauma and abuse, leading to chronic pain. Acupuncture has been proven to increase circulation in the body and relieve muscle tension, resulting in a feeling of peaceful relaxation. At Avalon Malibu, our board-certified physicians will evaluate your unique situation and determine if acupuncture is right for you.
Massage therapy is another treatment for body pain. When our body is feeling tense or in pain, it’s obvious that a professional massage would be a dream come true. At our facility, we offer multiple types of massage therapy, including:
- Swedish massage
- Remedial massage
- Deep tissue massage
- Sports massage
- Thai massage
- Hot stone massage
Healing Yoga
No matter your age, yoga can be beneficial. At Avalon Malibu, we emphasize paying attention to your body and converting your ambitions into practical activities. Practicing yoga includes stretching and relaxing those muscles initially tense and cause discomfort. If you experience pain while doing yoga, we never recommend that you continue. We urge you to follow your journey as far as your comfort level allows.
Chronic pain can wear down your body and mind. Constant physical pain may cause stress to your kidneys, increase emotional distress, and be detrimental to your entire body. However, it can be peacefully treated in a lush, inviting environment. At Avalon Malibu, our knowledgeable staff utilizes alternative treatments for pain management, such as massage therapy, mental distraction, physical activity, meditation, and relaxation through scenic nature exploration. Our clients can enjoy pain-relieving treatments and activities while discovering ways to lessen their pain medication needs to embrace the quality of their life they hope for and deserve. Chronic pain and mental illness don’t have to control your quality of life. Avalon Malibu is here to assist you and your unique needs. Discover how you or your loved one can treat chronic pain and mental health needs at Avalon Malibu by calling (844) 857-5992.
