The Role of Early Life Trauma in Chronic Pain Patients

Jennifer Pierce, PhD
Research Fellow, Anesthesiology
Back & Pain Center
University of Michigan

[@mumsie8578]

I was neglected as a newborn, adopted at 3 months old. Grew up with parents who beat each other every other week. I didn't often get hit and so I didn't think my childhood was violent lol. I still know I had a better life with my parents than my BM. I've been suffering since my teens with pain and stomach problems . Been officially diagnosed with fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, IBS, normal ole osteoarthritis. I'm only 40 this year. Everything in this video made sense. Thank you. Learning about the why's of what's wrong with me is so helpful on my path of healing.

[@sarak6860]

When my pain doctor was doing the ORT with me, I did not admit to any childhood trauma or parental alcoholism because I was afraid he would take my opioid medication away. Being left in severe pain would traumatize me, and I would no longer trust any doctors. Some pain patients have reported that their doctors refused them opioids that they desperately needed because they admitted to childhood trauma or to having at least one alcoholic (or drug addicted) parent. I can understand watching these victims carefully, but to deny opioids to anyone in severe pain is cruel. It can take months or years to find alternatives to opioids for pain relief, while opioids can work quickly and prevent suicide or visits to the black market for relief, because severe pain is extremely difficult to to just live with.

[@Alipotamus]

I have the same problems and fear. I’ve been denied opioids for last 7 years-after being on same dosage, and not once asking for an increase! I’m in constant frightening pain. I can’t resolve my mind issues. I’m 73. This pain isn’t fatal but suicide is. Tragic that so many chronic pain sufferers have and are driven to the most frightening thing imaginable. Ending their own life. Blemishing their beloved families! Cruel. So sorry that you are in pain!

[@superjratta6225]

Yes, this is happening and it is... Unbelievable... Honestly I would not speak a work of it, and that is sad. You shouldn't be punished. ❤️

[@superjratta6225]

It is sad, but so true... We should be able to be honest with our doctors but Many cannot these days. Many people have been denied medication for severe pain or only given Tylenol because of their high "opioid scores". Just look up "opioid risk tool" and NARX score... If the patient has History of preadolescent sexual abuse females get 3 points and if your a male 0 points, yes zero.... And a score of 4-7 indicates moderate risk to abuse opioids...it is pretty ridiculous honestly. This is being used to deny people pain relief...or take. Off of medications they had been on for years without any reasonable alternatives that work.... This has obviously had negative effects on the doctor patient relationship.

[@sarak6860]

@@superjratta6225 Before Gov got involved, doctors gave their patients pain meds simply because they needed them. It is a big trend now to tie physical pain in with emotional factors. Many require you to see a therapist in order to receive, or continue to receive, pain meds. Therapy is great, but it never did anything to reduce my pain.

[@PearlJamAndBiscuits]

U of M is currently doing exactly this to me

[@PurpleSpiderwebs]

What if the chronic pain itself caused my trauma?

[@juliewirch2992]

I absolutely think that the experience of chronic pain is traumatic. Good point!

[@Raminakai]

It definitely is traumatic as is the cptsd of someone close to you.

[@Rrrrcc4666]

It is a vicious cycle. Chronic Pain/ Disease manifests because of Trauma and disease itself will cause another cycle of trauma and experiences which can be sad or which can be motivating. Such as people who go amputated found a purpose in life and living better lives than being a normal person.

[@Alipotamus]

I wonder the same. I believe mine was triggered and began in’71. The fear of abuse continued for 30 years. However, I am so traumatized by this level of pain the last 7 years (opioids stopped after 16 years on same dose) that I am daily suicidal. Sleep, or lack of , is terrifying. The hours alone, suffering is pure hell. I’m not alone!

[@3Torts]

It can begin that way... Major injuries can change everything

[@juliewirch2992]

Thank you for this incredibly helpful information! I've suffered from fibromyalgia for decades and appreciate your comprehensive and enlightened view of the role of trauma in creating these disorders. I especially like that you talk about accumulative trauma. It's particularly difficult because of disbelief and even psychological abuse of patients by doctors, as well as by family and friends who often blame the pain patient for their condition.

[@user-me3ip3ud2h]

I lived my entire early life under physical and emotional abuse , I’m 29 now and still feeling psychological weird pain thats what inspired me to search this vid. I wanna say Thank you Dr your research really made me feel that I’m not crazy yet😓

[@sivabathiraramanan6545]

I feel sorry for you. Please stay bold and happy.

[@user-me3ip3ud2h]

SIVA BATHIRA RAMANAN hey🙏 , I’m trillion times better now .. i found Sadguru 🙏💜 he really transformed my perception to life .. i do yoga “union” now and it feels exuberant 🔥🙏

[@sivabathiraramanan6545]

@@user-me3ip3ud2h 👍Extremely happy to hear this.

[@royorbisonriot]

So sorry to hear about your experiences. You are stronger than most! I'm glad these studies are finally getting traction! You are not alone! Check out polyvagal theory. It scientifically makes sense of a lot of trauma responses.

[@Scintilla7777]

Thank you for doing this research. 💓

[@karenwalker1255]

I should download this talk so that I can listen to it repeatedly. Even more importantly, I'd love to hear a talk on dealing with it. I am an Interpersonal Trauma survivor. I picked up on so many things you spoke about and at age 56 find myself still putting the pieces of the puzzle together. It certainly spans a lifetime. I am "stuck" as you described, always feeling a threat to my sense of self. Always. I've had safety issues my entire life. I currently suffer from multiple chronic pain issues and I just want my life back.

[@Alipotamus]

Me too, since’71.

[@gracielovely1]

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 18 years ago. I was beaten as a child by my mother. Emotionally abused as well She was very strict and wanted everything perfectly done. When I grew up I married just to exit out my mother’s house. My husband took me to live to his mother’s house for a while. She was a very controlling person and her son did everything she told him to. Her and my husband were abusive to the point where I wanted to take my own life. Thank God I’m still alive. But yeah, I think my autoimmune condition has lots to do with abuse

[@adoracle1]

I wish I had a doctor like Dr. Pierce. deep sigh...:/

[@reg8297]

Me too

[@janiehalstead3581]

I have debilitating fatigue and fibromyalgia. I did have a mom that was emotionally cruel to me. She only allowed me to go out with a family’s son whom was 4 years old and forced me into sex. Then my husband, who knows we loved each other ended up being diagnosed as schizophrenia with bi polar. I hurt everywhere. At first I was diagnosed with lupus due to high DNA antibodies. That’s gone after taking plaquenil but the pain is still here and the fatigue. I take lots of medicines. But still miserable

[@josielisette6768]

Janie Try the cbd oil it has help million of people worldwide i try it and it works for me i bought it here >> www.cbdbiocare.com?a_aid=Lifewithcbd

[@iamsheiamme]

I'm sorry you had to go through these, Janie. Emotional abuse and/or sexual abuse can be overwhelming especially when we were kids. sending u lots of love and positive energy. I hope u begin to experience holistic healing emotionally and physically. I am fibromyalgia too and it comes from PTSD caused by abuse. Therapy helps me and so does planning small joys for myself. Even if that means listening to music or holding my dog close. I stay away from my family now n I don't let anyone who cause emotional stress near me. It isn't easy but I try. Big hug

[@sivabathiraramanan6545]

@@iamsheiamme a great good help

[@savantofillusions]

I smoke sativa cartridges from the dispensary for chronic fatigue. It works. Nothing else works for me.

[@tigkokodevlosangeles5207]

Thank you so much. This is very helpful.

[@yig_501]

I was treated like a piece of crap for years mentally abused and worked like a dog to just be treated more like shit I was over worked over stressed in a very chaotic home life and hard labor on my shoulders and back and knees and now was diagnosed with cyclic vomiting syndrome oh and an older brother who was on the mental side that abused me physically (non sexual)

[@Zenthropa7]

You are in pain for a different reason. Many of us have pain beyond belief. We were not abused. Do not believe these lies.

[@harmonicalessonsnyc6386]

some men are definately affected by childhood physical and emotional trauma

[@harmonicalessonsnyc6386]

i think most or all men are affected also, and this is a great video, but the person is saying in the beginning that women are affected by this and men are not.

[@EzequielMartin55vf]

Of course just don't take it personally lol they probably say that cause women face and endure more abuse that's why and pain too. Apart from period cramps.

[@harmonicalessonsnyc6386]

haha

[@royorbisonriot]

Great talk! I'd be curious what your thoughts of Polyvagal Theory are. I'm glad science is getting involved in trauma research more.

[@tousifk3138]

Check Irene lyone she has a few talks on polyvagal theory

[@sabrinas2332]

This broke it for me. I have EDS, POTs, fibro, pcos, and migraines. My mother told me when I was finally getting help for it all, to disclose the molestation because they thought the doctors might chalk my problems up to be being crazy due to that. I've never been open about it and I'll never tell the doctor. Ive lied straight through my teeth because I'm embarrassed and ashamed. I was 3.

[@karenwalker1255]

It wasn't your fault. Now it's time to take care of you.

[@lutzkygirls]

I’m so sorry you were harmed as a young innocent child. Something horrible happened to you but it isn’t who you are. Seek out healing wherever you can find help. I am saying a prayer for you! Jesus heals! Ask Him for help!

[@Alipotamus]

So sorry ❤

[@BPTtech]

Is ketamine effective for ptsd?

[@superjratta6225]

I agree that there are different tools to help people/patients cope with anxiety and pain but at the same time, many, if not all patients that have greatly benefited from taking opioids and benzodiazepines have had one or even both medications stopped abruptly at no fault of their own. It doesn’t matter if they have benefited greatly taking both. I believe that studies like the ones talked about here have caused greater harm because instead of doctor patient relationship and individualized care, patients are being “scored” and treated based on algorithms. So rather than helping patients, This has caused so much more unnecessary trauma.

[@Alipotamus]

Absolutely correct! I am trying to hang on but suicide has been a tearful thought for last 7 years since I was refused morphine sulfate which I was on for 16 years. Same dose. I’m 73. With morphine I was active and functional with moderate pain and poor sleep. Now, the future is terrifying. This won’t kill me but suicide will. I’m so afraid that I will live long like most of my family.

[@bfaith2102]

Bethany, you are the same age as my mother, who is my world. I live with this type of pain at 43 and my primary care doctor is my angel and treats my pain (it’s undertreated and I’m disabled completely) but I’ll take what I can get because even with some pain meds, it’s so bad I really am okay with not waking up. I am so so sorry you’re facing these horrible feelings & urge you to keep fighting. My sister left us from suicide in 2015, we were a year apart - and life just kind of lost joy. Hold on honey, please ❤️ look up wild lettuce extract, black seed oil, kratom - all of which are legal (exception being kratom for some states) these can all help some with pain. I’m so sorry you were cut off, like so many people - this is so unbelievably cruel. We all have to hide our traumas because of this war on people with chronic pain. Nothing but love and empathy for you 🧡

[@bfaith2102]

I think of suicide often as well, due to my pain and it’s all progressive so the thought of aging and becoming worse is unimaginable - I’m not able to support myself, I’m literally dead meat. So I feel You sister, I feel you. I’m so so sorry this is even a thing ☹️ and that the medical community further traumatizes us, judges us and we’re left for dead, our lives don’t matter. It has to change. Hang on k? I know it’s hard - trust me, but hang on. Your pain will be treated some how some way 🧡

[@superjratta6225]

@@Alipotamus I am so sorry you are going through this also.... You may have already tried this, but I recently started looking for palliative care or a psychiatrist. It is exhausting and very discouraging trying to find a doctor the last several years(it has been for me anyways) my heart and prayers goes out to you. It is sickening how bad this has gotten. I am all for "studies" but if they actually listened to the patients, or even checked on them after cutting them off, they would have plenty evidence. I could go on... Also look into natural plants and flowers. Kratom helps many and poppy also. ❤️

[@reg8297]

I've injured my spine in 2013 at work at the time I was been abused by a parent father of my kids and I was loosing my life every thing that I valued trying to cope with ripple effects of child abuse I'm years later in terrible chronic nerve pain how can I heal this I am affected even going for jobs due to knowing how much pain my spine is in

[@thequintanacat]

How can i get a hold of you? I’m not “techy” sorry

[@dearrj1244]

Idk why the more i know the more i feel hurt

[@savantofillusions]

I have MPS and chronic fatigue, IBS, PTSD, savant syndrome, sleep disorders, lots of crying and I cry in my latest video.

[@savantofillusions]

I have had nonstop abuse for decades and I am just into medical cannabis. Opioids make me puke.

[@savantofillusions]

I am super high in moral disgust

[@savantofillusions]

I cannot change baby diapers unless only pee. I will exhibit strong physical revulsion

[@savantofillusions]

Also, I have the kidney issues. We’ve ruled out everything else that could be causing the white blood cells in my urine. I have a nephrologist who told me that it’s the kidneys but we don’t know exactly what yet.

[@Override.Health]

@@savantofillusions Hi, How have you been doing? I would love to help you. Coaching helps so many people find what they love and manage their pain.

[@tajjie_taj]

I believe that trauma in my childhood plays a role in my chronic pain and psychosis

[@Ameliaspores-on-ins-tagram]

⬆️Pharm meds are not good for human body at all I'll recommend you contact ⬆️⬆️that handle above she's got the best natural plant meds that works very effective in getting rid of mental health illness and all chronic pains also helps improve focus and creativity

[@cofiking23]

I got dementia in 34 because of constant anxiety from trauma

[@AverageJoe1006]

Just here to remember you wrote this thank me later

[@reg8297]

8 years im n bits with chronic pain ot happened from a spinal injury trying to stop someone from falling aroind this time i also had a breakdown from been abused by my mother and the abuser parrner i had at the time childhood' i realised had destroyed me a farger gambller who didnt give a damn amd told us so whether we bad food clothes books i hate him for what he put me through not having anyone to to cause youd b told to go away

[@Alipotamus]

Tragic story. There IS a next life. It will be healing and filled with peace and love.

[@vatovega]

Where were the solutions though??

[@AGVenge]

That is not necessarily the purpose of this lecture.

[@karenwalker1255]

She spoke of a variety of types of therapy near the end. That's all I noticed and was hoping for more.

[@karmayt8956]

How to stop the pain?

[@Override.Health]

Chronic pain coaching helps to manage and lessen pain. We would love to help you

[@safiarosetta]

Look into somatic tracking

[@petramajernikova3260]

❤👍

[@titaniafaebeliever3302]

And that's why I developed m. s. 😪😪😪

[@Alf258]

can reactive abuse traumatized a child who responds to abuse from his parents with abuse ?

[@Ameliaspores-on-ins-tagram]

⬆️Pharm meds are not good for human body at all I'll recommend you contact ⬆️⬆️that handle above she's got the best natural plant meds that works very effective in getting rid of mental health illness and all chronic pains also helps improve focus and creativity

[@karmayt8956]

My chronic pain started from spine injury not

[@dionthompson1275]

Yep I have had multiple types of trama from a young age I definitely have PTSD Rape, Molested by both sexes male and female. Beatings and neglect.

[@Ameliaspores-on-ins-tagram]

⬆️Pharm meds are not good for human body at all I'll recommend you contact ⬆️⬆️that handle above she's got the best natural plant meds that works very effective in getting rid of mental health illness and all chronic pains also helps improve focus and creativity

[@danielterhorst9995]

In my experience men are completely ignored and or dismissed which causes shame which causes withdrawal and isolation and not seeking help

[@surfbuddha4667]

Toughen up, get back in there! All my life

[@Raminakai]

This is why CSA robs people of a life- their potential! 💔

[@EDD519]

the officials take all the pain meds away, and TALK your pain away , so what else is new ??

[@clairNshane]

1:50 Complex trauma is inescapable, repeated, within relationship - child abuse, domestic violence

[@clairNshane]

3:30 betrayal trauma

[@clairNshane]

6:00 1 in 4 interpersonal trauma is not rare

[@clairNshane]

10:48 inability to escape is a key point of differentiation

[@clairNshane]

12:40 structural changes, sensory perception, threat detection

[@clairNshane]

18:00 chronic pain and experience of interpersonal trauma

[@sadee1287]

I started to watch your talk with interest, but was stopped cold by your referencing a "study" by Thomas and colleagues at roughly the 8:26 mark, that stated that "physical abuse in childhood was associated with mental health conditions in adulthood for _women_ , but not for men." I question the legitimacy of that finding, as it is WELL understood that childhood abuse equally impacts men, albeit often in different ways. For a study to claim NO negative mental health effects in the male cohort is astonishing, given the many studies that confirm the opposite. I wonder that in referencing a flawed study to support a connection between adverse childhood events and chronic pain, you are inadvertently undermining your (well intended) objective as well as unintentionally validating a medical bias in treating chronic pain in women, who are already underserved in that regard by having their pain qualified as psychological in origin.

[@PearlJamAndBiscuits]

*Bottom line if you have chronic pain DO NOT tell U of M you had childhood trauma*, you will be abandoned as far as pain control. I know because they are doing it to me and watching my health decline because of it.

[@karmayt8956]

Sex abuse didn’t cause my spinal injuries. The pain isn’t in my head.

[@sylviaoesterwinter8858]

Regardless of the cause- stress will absolutely increase your pain levels. There are tons of people out there with degenerative issues that do not have pain at all. Keep your mind open and your pain levels down.

[@MohammedAli-jj9hh]

2 victim of S trauma and pushing ideas to top shelf

[@Ameliaspores-on-ins-tagram]

⬆️Pharm meds are not good for human body at all I'll recommend you contact ⬆️⬆️that handle above she's got the best natural plant meds that works very effective in getting rid of mental health illness and all chronic pains also helps improve focus and creativity

[@4TIMESAYEAR]

My early life experiences/trauma have absolutely nothing to do with the chronic pain that's developed as I get older. It's fibro and OA. Got that? Enough of blaming the victim. They will use your experiences to deny you pain relievers. You need to know this. You were raped? You were physically or psychologically abused? No opioids for you. I'm not kidding. It all goes in your record. Never mind the rapist doesn't get denied pain relievers. Only the victims.

[@paromita_ghosh]

Trauma messes with memories- really??