Pain: Is It Good or Bad?

Pain is a tricky thing. It’s something we all experience, yet no one really wants to talk about it until they have to. Is pain your body’s way of betraying you, or is it trying to send you a message? Let’s dive into the world of pain—what it is, what causes it, and whether it’s actually good or bad. Spoiler alert: it’s not as simple as it seems.

What Is Pain?

Pain is your body’s built-in alarm system. It’s like your brain saying, “Hey, something’s not right!” But here’s the kicker: pain isn’t always a bad thing. Think about the time you accidentally touched a hot stove. That quick burst of pain saved you from a serious burn. Pain is your body’s way of protecting you, telling you to stop, slow down, or pay attention.

Pain comes in different forms:

• Acute pain: Short-term pain, like a paper cut or a sprained ankle. It’s your body’s immediate reaction to injury.
• Chronic pain: Pain that sticks around for weeks, months, or even years. It’s often a signal of something deeper, like inflammation or nerve issues.
• Sudden chronic pain: When acute pain doesn’t resolve and morphs into long-term pain. This can be especially frustrating because it feels like it came out of nowhere.
• Phantom pain: Pain that feels like it’s coming from a body part that’s no longer there. Many amputees experience this, often as a result of the brain continuing to send signals to the missing limb. While I don’t personally experience phantom pain since my foot was amputated as a baby, I know it’s a significant and challenging form of pain for many amputees.

What Causes Pain?

Pain is a complex dance between your nerves, brain, and body. Here are some common culprits:

1. Injuries or Trauma: Like twisting your ankle or overdoing it at the gym.
2. Inflammation: Your body’s response to infection or stress, which can cause swelling and discomfort.
3. Nerve Damage: Issues like sciatica or neuropathy send pain signals that feel sharp or burning.
4. Emotional Stress: Yes, your emotions can trigger physical pain. Ever had a “stress headache”? That’s a real thing.

And then there’s fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds every muscle, bone, and organ in your body. If your fascia gets dehydrated or stuck, it can lead to pain. This is something I teach in my MELT Method classes—a simple, effective way to rehydrate your fascia and reduce pain.

So, Is Pain Good or Bad?

It depends. Pain can be good when it’s protecting you or helping you heal. It’s like a friend who tells you the hard truth, even if you don’t want to hear it. But pain can feel bad when it overstays its welcome, affecting your daily life and happiness.

The key is learning to listen to your body and understand what your pain is trying to tell you. Is it a sign to rest, stretch, or hydrate? Or is it time to seek help and dig deeper into the root cause?

What Can You Do About Pain?

The good news is, you don’t have to live with pain forever. Here are some steps to take:

1. Move Your Body: Gentle movement like MELT, yoga, or walking can work wonders.
2. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can make pain worse. Drink plenty of water to keep your fascia happy.
3. Change Your Mind: Chronic pain can feel like it’s taken over your life, but staying hyperfocused on pain only gives it more power. Try shifting your mindset:
1. Stop calling it “my pain”—you don’t have to claim it as part of who you are.
2. Focus on moments when you feel relief, no matter how small.
3. Cultivate the belief that you can get better. It’s not about blind optimism; it’s about creating space for hope and healing.

Being in chronic pain can feel hopeless, especially when your thoughts are stuck on how bad it feels. But the more you redirect your focus—whether it’s through gratitude, mindfulness, or simple joys—the less hold pain has over you.

4. Get Curious: Instead of fighting your pain, ask, “What is this trying to tell me?”
5. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to work with a wellness coach, physical therapist, or other professional.

Pain doesn’t have to rule your life. By understanding its purpose and learning how to manage it, you can take back control and start feeling better. Remember, pain isn’t just about what’s happening to your body—it’s also about how you respond to it.

What’s your relationship with pain? Let me know in the comments below.