The Fear-Pain Cycle in Action: My Personal Experience
In my last blog post, I explained the fear-pain cycle — how pain leads to fear, fear leads to avoidance, and how the cycle can keep pain alive even when the body is safe. Today, I want to share a personal story that brought this to life for me in a very real way.
My Fall
Not long ago, I took a fall and landed hard on my arm. The pain was immediate and sharp, so much so that I even because nauseated and thought I might pass out. My very first thought was: “I’ve broken my arm.”
I instinctively held my arm close to my body, guarding it tightly. Every time I shifted or imagined moving it, the pain seemed to spike. On the drive to the hospital, every bump in the road felt unbearable — and my mind filled with vivid images of the bone being jostled and moving around, making things worse.
The Power of Fear and Imagination
Looking back, it’s clear what was happening. My fear and protective instincts were amplifying the pain. My brain, convinced that my arm was fractured, was on high alert, sending danger signals at full volume.
Then came the turning point. After X-rays, the doctor told me there was no fracture. Almost instantly, I felt a wave of relief. My pain, while not gone, decreased significantly in that very moment.
Nothing about my arm had physically changed in those few minutes — what changed was my perception of safety.
What This Teaches Us About Chronic Pain
This experience was a powerful reminder of how much influence the brain and nervous system have on pain. My arm hurt badly when I believed it was broken. As soon as I had reassurance that it was safe, my pain eased.
This doesn’t mean the pain was “in my head.” The pain was real — but it was being driven by my brain’s protective response rather than by actual tissue damage.
For people living with chronic pain conditions like back pain, fibromyalgia, or migraines, the same cycle can happen — just on a longer timeline. The brain, stuck in protection mode, keeps sending danger signals even when the body is safe.
How Pain Reprocessing Therapy Fits In
Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) helps break this cycle. Just like my arm pain decreased when I learned it was safe, PRT gives people tools to send similar safety messages to the brain. Over time, this helps calm the nervous system, reduce fear, and ease pain.
By learning to reinterpret pain sensations, move without fear, and build confidence in the body’s safety, people can step out of the fear-pain loop and start living more freely again.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
If you’re living with ongoing pain, I know it can feel overwhelming and discouraging. But there is hope. In my counselling practice, I offer online individual and group therapy across Nova Scotia to help people reduce chronic pain through Pain Reprocessing Therapy.
Healing is possible — and sometimes, it begins with a simple shift in how we understand our pain.
👉 If this story resonates with you, I’d love to help you explore how PRT might support your own healing journey. Reach out today to learn more.