How Stored Trauma Can Lead to Chronic Pain — And What You Can Do About It
- Dr. Peeva
- Aug 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 21
When Pain Feels Deeper Than Physical Injury
Have you ever wondered why chronic pain lingers, even after your body “should” have healed? Many people with ongoing pain are told it’s “all in their head,” but this dismissive answer misses something crucial: trauma — even trauma from years ago — can be stored in the body and affect the way we experience pain. If you’ve been searching for answers beyond medication and temporary fixes, you’re not alone, and there are real solutions.
What Does “Stored Trauma” Mean?
Stored trauma refers to the long-term impact of stressful or overwhelming events on your nervous system and body. When you experience trauma — whether it’s a car accident, surgery, childhood abuse, or even prolonged emotional stress — your brain and body go into survival mode.
Normally, once the threat is gone, the nervous system should return to a calm state. But for many people, this reset never fully happens. The body stays “on high alert,” muscles remain tense, and pain pathways stay overly sensitive. This is what doctors call central sensitization — the nervous system becomes overactive, amplifying pain signals.
How Can Trauma Cause Chronic Pain?
Trauma doesn’t just affect your thoughts and emotions — it also impacts your physical health in measurable ways.
Hyperactive Nervous System
Your “fight or flight” response keeps firing, flooding your body with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
This can cause muscle tension, inflammation, and nerve hypersensitivity.
Changes in the Brain’s Pain Pathways
Trauma alters how your brain interprets pain signals.
Even small sensations — like a touch or minor injury — can feel overwhelmingly painful.
Muscle Guarding and Reduced Healing
When your body stays tense, it restricts blood flow and oxygen to tissues, slowing healing and increasing pain.
Emotional–Physical Feedback Loop
Pain itself becomes stressful, which feeds back into the trauma response, creating a vicious cycle.
Common Conditions Linked to Stored Trauma
Patients dealing with stored trauma often present with conditions that don’t fully improve with standard treatments:
Fibromyalgia — widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and brain fog
Migraines or tension headaches — triggered by stress or sensory overload
Chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain — even when scans look “normal”
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) — severe, burning nerve pain after injury
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) — gut pain linked to stress and nervous system dysregulation
Chronic pelvic pain — sometimes linked to unresolved trauma or nerve hypersensitivity
How Do You Know If Trauma Is Affecting Your Pain?
Many patients ask: “How do I know if my chronic pain is trauma-related?”While only a trauma-informed medical provider can give you a clear answer, here are some signs to look for:
Your pain began after a stressful or traumatic event.
Traditional treatments (medications, physical therapy) haven’t helped enough.
Pain flares up during emotional stress, not just physical strain.
You have other symptoms of trauma, such as anxiety, nightmares, or hypervigilance.
Can Stored Trauma Be Released?
Yes. While trauma can leave lasting marks, it’s not permanent. Modern trauma-informed pain care focuses on calming the nervous system and resetting the body’s pain response. Treatments may include:
Ketamine therapy — shown to reduce nerve hypersensitivity and help patients process trauma.
Somatic therapies and gentle movement — help release muscle tension and retrain the body.
Targeted medical infusions (like NAD+) — support cellular repair and energy production.
Mind-body approaches (like guided relaxation or biofeedback) — reduce overactive pain pathways.
Comprehensive support — working with providers who see you as a whole person, not just a list of symptoms.
Why Choose a Trauma-Informed Pain Clinic?
At Propel Therapeutics, we understand that pain is real — and so is the role of trauma. We combine advanced medical treatments with compassionate, personalized care to help patients finally break free from the trauma–pain cycle.
Our team listens first.
We use science-backed treatments designed to calm and heal the nervous system.
We support both the emotional and physical sides of chronic pain.
You Deserve Relief — and a Fresh Start
If you’re living with pain that never seems to go away, it might not just be about your muscles, joints, or nerves. It could be your body’s way of holding onto trauma — and there’s a way forward.
You don’t have to live this way.
Schedule a consultation with our team today and take the first step toward healing — body, mind, and nervous system.
(916) 915-9215
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