How can trauma manifest in the body and why is it important for those with chronic and pelvic pain?What is 'The body keeps the score?'

If you've seen me in clinic or online, I've no doubt spoken about the incredible book By Bessel Can Der Kolk - The body keeps the score. This book is something I recommend to anyone who has chronic pain, pelvic pain, trauma, PTSD or experience of adverse childhood events. Sometimes we can do all the right things for our physical health and an attempt to heal our pain - such as osteopathy, physio, exercise, nutrition or the latest diet trend yet our pain may still persist which can create a very negative cycle of the mind impacting the body which in turns impacts the mind.

Below are just a few things we discuss in clinic to help people move through their chronic pain and develop tools for managing pain and activities of daily living. It's important to surround yourself with a great group of practitioners, utilise their strengths and knowledge and having varying tools in your tool belt that you can drawer on at different times.

The Body Keeps the Score: Understanding Trauma and Healing

Trauma leaves an imprint not just on the mind but also on the body. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk’s groundbreaking book, The Body Keeps the Score, explores how trauma reshapes the brain, impacts the nervous system, and influences behaviour long after the initial event. Understanding these effects can help you find pathways too healing and reclaim control over your life.

How Trauma Affects the Body and Mind

Trauma triggers the body's fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones that, when prolonged, can lead to physical, psychological challenges and chronic pain. Over time, this heightened state can result in symptoms such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and even autoimmune disorders.

Neuroscience shows that traumatic experiences alter brain structures like the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, affecting emotional regulation, memory processing, and decision-making. This can make it difficult for trauma survivors to feel safe, regulate emotions, or maintain healthy relationships.

Healing from Trauma: Approaches and Strategies

While trauma leaves lasting effects, healing is possible through various approaches. Dr. van der Kolk emphasises that traditional talk therapy may not always be enough and highlights alternative methods, many of which I've seen patients have profound changes from, including:

1. Body-Based Therapies

   • Yoga, breathwork, and movement-based therapies help reconnect the mind and body, regulating the nervous system and reducing stress.

2. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

   • A therapy designed to help reprocess traumatic memories, making them less distressing over time. *it's essential you see a qualified practitioner to do this work*

3. Mindfulness and Meditation

   • Practicing present-moment awareness can help trauma survivors develop self-compassion and reduce emotional reactivity.

4. Creative Therapies

   • Art, music, and dance therapy provide non-verbal outlets for expressing and processing trauma.

5. Safe Relationships and Support Systems

   • Establishing trusting relationships with therapists, support groups, or loved ones is crucial for healing.

Final Thoughts

Trauma may shape one’s past, but it does not have to define the future. By understanding how trauma affects the brain and body, individuals can explore different healing methods and regain a sense of safety and empowerment. Whether through therapy, movement, or mindfulness, healing is a journey that honours both the body and mind.