There is a growing body of scientific research about the relationship between our minds and our bodies. As an integrated health practice, Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics has known for some time that how we feel emotionally has a profound impact on our physical well-being.

Normal Vs Problematic Anger

Human beings experience a wide range of emotions and we are entitled to feel every single one of them. But can anger make your back pain or other pain worse? The answer is, yes. Can it have other negative effects on our lives? Indeed, yes it can. Does that mean you should deny yourself that emotion entirely? Of course not.

Someone cuts you off while driving. The dry cleaner ruins your favorite outfit. The internet is down and you’ve been sitting in voicemail or listening to endless on-hold music waiting for a human. These are all circumstances in which you may feel passing anger and it’s completely normal. Anger becomes problematic when it’s an emotion that consumes your life. When anger is something you either feel all or most of the time or when it’s your first reaction to minor inconveniences and misunderstandings, it’s not healthy.

Chronic Pain Patients Can Struggle More

When you think of anger as a reaction to pain, it makes sense why so many chronic pain patients experience problems managing their anger. Patients who suffer from chronic pain often feel like they have little to no control over their situations. Many have a history of going from doctor to doctor, feeling unheard and unhelped. Family and friends don’t always understand and may give unwelcome advice, ”…try these essential oils,” “get out of the house more,” “just deal with it.” It’s no surprise 70% of chronic pain patients also have issues with anger.

Research: The Relationship Between Anger and Pain

Recent research indicates anger can increase inflammation; inflammation, in turn, can exacerbate chronic pain. Patients who express having problems with anger management have higher blood levels of c-reactive protein, a substance produced by the liver as a response to inflammation, and interleukin-6, another marker of inflammation in the body. Pain and anger, then, are a vicious circle. Pain causes anger; anger causes pain. It can be a difficult cycle to break out of once you’re in it.

How Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics Can Help

Because pain and anger are intertwined, coping with the anger you feel is only part of the breaking out of the cycle. The other part is treating your pain. Dr. Hall and our professional staff can help you in a number of ways, tailored to your specific physical needs. At our practice, we take a holistic approach to addressing back pain and we specialize in helping the patients who feel they have tried every treatment, seen every specialist, and taken every medication without any results. We treat the whole patient, not just the symptoms.

Call for an appointment today! 423-499-0003.

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