Pain Is Information: How to Listen to What Your Body’s Telling You
Pain isn’t always a problem. It’s a message.
If you’re active, motivated, and goal-oriented, pain can feel scary. One day you’re crushing workouts… and the next, you’re hesitating to bend over, twist, or even sit too long.
But here’s the reframe I give every patient:
Pain is not the enemy. It’s information.
It’s your body raising a hand and saying, “Hey, something’s off. Pay attention.”
Let’s break down how to actually listen to what your body is telling you — and what to do with that feedback.
Pain ≠ Damage (And Why That Matters)
One of the most common myths we hear is:
“If it hurts, I must be injuring myself.”
Not true. Pain is complex. It’s a combination of physical signals, past experiences, nervous system sensitivity, and even your beliefs.
You can have pain without tissue damage.
And you can have damage (like a herniated disc on an MRI) without any pain at all.
So if your brain is shouting “DANGER!” every time you move… it may just need better context, not more fear.
Common Fear-Based Myths That Hold You Back
Let’s bust a few that might be stuck in your head:
“If I feel pain, I should stop all activity.”
“I need to rest completely to heal.”
“My body is fragile.”
“Lifting is bad for my back.”
These are fear stories. And while it’s normal to feel anxious when you're hurting, giving in to fear often keeps you more stuck than the pain itself.
How to Figure Out What Your Pain Is Really Saying
Pain isn’t always telling you to stop. Sometimes it’s just asking for a better strategy.
Here’s what to pay attention to:
Where is it? Localized vs. widespread? Sharp vs. dull?
When does it show up? First thing in the morning? After sitting all day?
Does it ease up with movement or worsen?
How long does it last after activity?
What positions bother it?
This kind of tracking helps us adjust load, modify movements, and reduce irritation without avoiding life altogether.
When to Push Through vs. When to Pull Back
Think of pain like a traffic light:
🟢 Green Zone: Feels fine or “tight but tolerable.” You’re good to go.
🟡 Yellow Zone: Mild discomfort that fades with movement — use caution but don’t panic.
🔴 Red Zone: Sharp, shooting, or escalating pain that lingers — that’s your sign to adjust or pause.
The goal isn’t to avoid all discomfort, it’s to work within a safe and productive range.
You’re Not Broken!!! You Just Need a Plan
Your pain has a message. The key is learning how to listen without fear and knowing what steps to take next.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. That’s where I come in.
Ready to get clarity on what your pain is telling you?
Book a free movement screen and let’s decode it together. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of what’s going on and what to do next.
