Overcoming Medical Trauma: Understanding Its Impact on Chronic Pain and Illness

Imagine navigating the complexities of a challenging week marked by your child's illness and a sudden power outage. That's precisely what we faced recently, and it highlighted how stress can make life seem all the more serious. Join us as we unpack personal experiences and the often unspoken issue of medical trauma—a significant form of trauma that's largely overlooked in the healthcare system. We shine a light on its profound impact on individuals and families, including our own journey, emphasizing how trauma is not merely the event but the lingering nervous system response that can exacerbate chronic pain and illness.

This episode takes you through the emotional and physical rollercoaster experienced before, during, and after medical procedures. We delve into common reactions like fight, flight, and freeze, and how these can manifest as anxiety or dissociation, particularly for those battling chronic pain. We explore the cycle of anxiety and heightened responses that can make even routine medical appointments daunting. Discover the critical role of psychological preparation in preventing or reducing medical trauma and why recognizing symptoms is crucial for effective healing. Tune in to better understand the complex web between trauma and delayed recovery and how to navigate it for a healthier future.

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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