What Is Pain? Understanding How the Brain and Body Work Together

One of the main reasons people come to see me is because they’re in pain—and feeling discouraged that it’s gone on far longer than it should, despite trying the usual treatments.

By the time they find me, many have gone through test after test, procedure after procedure—sometimes invasive, sometimes experimental. They’ve taken medications that offered little relief. And far too often, they’ve been told there’s “no reason” for their pain. That they’ll just have to live with it.

Some are handed a syndrome. Others are made to feel like it’s all in their head. If this sounds familiar, please know that you’re not alone, and you’re not imagining things.

So…What Is Pain? 

I like to start by sharing one simple truth: Pain is the brain’s way of helping us avoid danger. 

Pain isn’t just a symptom—it’s your brain’s way of trying to protect you.

Sometimes the brain sounds the alarm even when there’s no obvious injury, simply because it thinks something might be wrong. Other times, there is a real issue in the body, but the brain decides it isn’t a threat—and so no pain is felt at all.

Your brain is always scanning for danger, using what it knows—your past experiences, stress levels, and even your emotional state. If it senses a risk, it may create pain as a way to get your attention, even if the threat isn’t physical.

It’s not always logical. But it is deeply intelligent—and the good news is, we can work with it.

Gate Control Theory Explained 

I often explain to clients that the nervous system has a kind of “filter” that decides which sensations get through to the brain—and how intense they feel. This idea comes from something called Gate Control Theory.

When your body senses danger or damage, it sends signals through the spinal cord to the brain, saying: Pay attention—something’s wrong. That’s what we experience as pain.

But here’s the interesting part:

When we apply things like gentle pressure, stretching, or calming touch, the body can send a different kind of message—one that helps turn the pain signal down, or even off completely.

That’s why people instinctively rub a spot they’ve just bumped. That touch helps interrupt the pain message.

It’s also one of the reasons therapies like Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy and acupuncture are so helpful—we’re working with your body’s built-in ability to quiet pain and return to balance.

Your Brain Is Always Scanning for Safety 

The brain doesn’t just process physical signals—it also draws on your past experiences and emotional state. If it senses a threat (real or perceived), it may produce pain to protect you.

This is why some people develop chronic pain long after an injury has healed—or even in the absence of a clear cause. The brain is still trying to help, because it’s stuck in a loop.

The hopeful part? That loop can be interrupted.

You’re Not Making It Up—and You’re Not Alone 

If you’ve been told your pain is “just something you’ll have to live with,” I want you to hear this from me directly:

There is always something we can try. 

Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy is a gentle, effective approach to resetting pain patterns—one that works with your body and your  nervous system instead of against it. I’ve seen it help people reconnect with their bodies, find relief, and begin to feel like themselves again.

If that’s something you’re longing for, I’d love to support you.

Learn more or book a session with me here →