What happens in our brains when we read the word “pain”? It seems like a harmless word, but conscious word choice can influence your pain response. In this blog, we explain what science tells us about language and pain, and why pain-related words can influence our perception of pain.
Our brain responds to words
Our brains are constantly assessing safety. Not only physical signals are processed, but also language. Words carry meaning that the brain can activate. Research shows that reading pain-related words can activate areas of the brain that are also involved in experiencing real pain. These include areas related to emotion, attention, and threat. In other words, the brain does not always distinguish between a real stimulus and the meaning of a word.
Why pain-related words can evoke a strong response
For many people, the word “pain” is linked to previous experiences. Perhaps you have experienced prolonged pain yourself, or you are afraid of aggravating your symptoms. As soon as the brain recognizes the word, it can say, as it were, “Pay attention, this is important.” This can lead to:
Greater focus on the body
Tense muscles
Cautious or avoidant movement
This reaction is often stronger in people with long-term pain, because their brain has become extra sensitive to everything related to pain, including language.
Words can intensify pain, but they can also reduce it.
If words influence pain, they can also be helpful. Positive words, such as recovery or getting better, prime a positive mindset and prevent pain from being unnecessarily triggered. In addition, a positive perspective is created subconsciously.
When you understand what pain is, that pain does not always mean damage, and that movement usually helps rather than harms, the brain can slowly become less alarmed when reading pain-related words. The MotiMove app is the perfect tool for this!
What does this mean for exercising with pain?
If the word ‘pain’ already evokes tension, it makes sense that exercising with pain can sometimes feel stressful. Yet gentle exercise is one of the most powerful ways to help the brain experience safety again. This can be achieved by exercising within your capabilities, having successful experiences, and building confidence. The guidance provided by the MotiMove app can help you with this.
Why the Motimove app helps
The MotiMove app is not only for exercises, but also to help you better understand your pain. In the app, you learn how pain works and how you can keep moving. The app offers:
Explanations about pain in accessible language, so that pain becomes less threatening.
Gentle, guided exercises that help you experience that movement can be safe.
Insight into your progress: small steps make a big difference.
Motivational support to maintain confidence.
Knowledge brings peace of mind, movement brings confidence
Pain-related issues have an impact, but they don't have to limit you. By learning how pain works and staying active in a safe way, you can gradually build more confidence in your body. Want to get started yourself? Download the Motimove app and discover how knowledge, movement, and confidence come together.