Why Stress Doesn't Cause 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.

But why does the body stay in pain even when the injury has healed?

In this episode, Dr. Aimie look at what most people believe about chronic pain. Instead of blaming stress, she shows how chronic pain actually comes from trauma stored in the body, and explores what's really going on 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 responses, why your body might be stuck in a chronic trauma response, and the hidden biochemical imbalances that make some people more likely to develop chronic pain.

You'll learn:

• [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
  
  

Whether you're someone struggling with chronic pain or a practitioner seeking better tools to help clients, this episode reveals why understanding trauma biology, not just stress management, is the key to breaking free from chronic pain and reclaiming your life.

 

Helpful Links Related To This Episode:

• 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 and experience the benefits of 26% decrease in daily physical pain, 28% decrease in sleep issues and digestive issues, 30% decrease in anxiety, depression, or want to learn how to do this for those you help - 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.

 

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

 

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.