While some types of pain are purely the unfortunate result of something going wrong at a physical level, it’s important to note that other forms of discomfort primarily relate to your emotional well-being. In particular, recent studies show that certain types of psychological stress can trigger either a temporary inflammatory process or a longer term fairly to regulate inflammation (leading to chronic pain).
So, if your doctor has ruled out any relevant serious causes and you’re still hurting, read on to discover what 12 different types may be trying to tell you about your current emotional state. Discovering and resolving these issues may be just what you need to kick-start your manifestation process!
A lack of appropriate emotional support often underlies pain in the upper back, and sometimes this discomfort is even caused by feeling unloved. If you’re feeling unsupported because you’re lonely, look for new ways to connect and reach out to people (e.g. online, or through clubs or classes).
If you’re currently somewhat isolated from people in your life, think of how you can speak to them to ask for what you need.
Frequent headaches are often a sign that you’re overwhelmed by something (or several things) going on in your life. Consequently, one of the best responses is to deliberately relax! Learning how to meditate, take a hot bath, or simply lie down for a while.
Interestingly, the expression that someone is a “pain in the neck” may be connected to the sources of literal neck pain. Research suggests that chronic neck pain is sometimes triggered by difficulties forgiving someone (or yourself) for something in the past.
Ask yourself if this is true of you, and consider what you’d need to do to let go. Remember that whenever possible, the Law of Attraction requires a committed focus to the present.
Shoulder pain can really wear you down, and it often comes from carrying a heavy emotional load. Perhaps you’re taking on too much for other people, or maybe you’re keeping all your problems inside.
Consider how you can lighten the load. Is there someone you can talk to? Or, is there a way to give back excessive responsibility being handed to you?
When you’re bothered by calf muscle pain, resentment could be the root cause. If you’ve been spending a lot of time focusing on what others have, remember that this aligns you with a vibration of lack, making it harder to attract abundance. Instead, look inwards and find reasons to be grateful for who you are and what you have.
When your elbows are aching, you may be actively resisting new changes coming into your life. Are you going through a period of transformation and finding that unnervingly unfamiliar, or even downright scary?
Try to remember that with change comes growth and the chance for new opportunities. The Universe only brings us change when we’re ready to receive it.
Surprisingly, there’s some evidence that chronic pain in the lower back can come from anxieties about your financial situation. If this sounds right, consider how you can recruit more support (say, from a financial adviser, or even just from a smart friend).
If you’re not worried about money, your back pain may (like upper back pain) relate more to a lack of emotional support.
The feet are associated with mood, so sore feet can mean that you’re depressed and negative at the moment. Try to work out what’s making you feel this way, and figure out whether you’re actually just absorbing negativity from others around you.
Look for the things that bring you joy, and don’t be afraid to seek help if you just can’t lift your mood.
Studies on knee pain indicate that it can be related to a huge array of different emotional issues, so you may have to dig deeper to work out what’s really going on in your subconscious.
One common cause is stubbornness. Say, refusing to say someone else’s point of view, or being unwilling to give up on something that’s no longer really right for you.
When you consider that you use your hands to fix things, reach out to others and experience the world, it’s no wonder that pain in the hands has been linked to excessive levels of isolation.
Why might you be keeping to yourself, feeling particularly shy or avoiding contact? When you figure out the answer, you’ll know what you need to do to ease the pain.
The hips tend to ache when you are afraid of moving in some way. This is often caused by indecision. Are you standing in front of two (or more) potential paths, and finding it difficult to see which one you should pursue?
Try making a list of the pros and cons for each, but also do your best to connect with your intuitions. It’s likely that your heart already knows the right way to go.
Finally, the ankles can begin to ache when you’re not being appropriately kind to yourself. When was the last time you indulged in something just because you enjoyed it?
Taking care of your needs is vital to a healthy life, so set aside time today to pursue a favorite hobby or simply relax. And don’t be surprised if your ankle pain is easing by the end of the day!
