Polyvagal Theory for Chronic Pain & Symptoms

We unpack polyvagal theory, starting with neuroception, the body’s below-conscious radar that constantly scans for danger or safety. When that radar gets oversensitive after stress, adversity, or trauma, it misreads harmless cues as threats. The result is chronic dysregulation that fuels neuroplastic pain, fatigue, gut issues, and anxiety—even when your logical mind says, “I’m fine.”

We walk through the four core states—ventral vagal (safe and social), sympathetic (fight or flight), fawn (people-pleasing and perfectionism), and dorsal vagal (freeze and shutdown)—and connect each to common symptoms and relationship patterns. Instead of chasing a fantasy of being calm 24/7, we focus on flexibility: noticing your current state, understanding what it’s trying to protect, and building the capacity to move through it. 

Planning for the holidays? We share a simple, compassionate game plan: map likely triggers, pre-load regulation breaks, recruit a “safe person,” and choose exits without guilt. Every small rep of shifting from alarm to safety teaches your body a new pattern, and over time, pain often eases as sleep, energy, and joy return. If you’re ready for deeper guidance, our therapy team works across most Canadian provinces and our Somatic Safety Method course is available worldwide with education, practices, and live Q&A. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and tell us: which state feels like your home base—and what helps you find your way back to safety?

Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health!

The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/

Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com

Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ

And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy

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