Ah yes, Grasshopper, the panic state does influence the pain levels. Hence the importance of relaxation techniques in dealing with the stress.
Some pain signals are necessary. For instance, had I listened to the one in my shin after I stubbed my foot on the bed subsequent to kicking the dog out of the room the other night, I would have realized that I was probably bleeding all over the sheet. Instead, I ignored it because all I wanted to do was sleep and I woke up to a very bruised, slightly swollen and blood smeared shin.
Then there are the ones that radiate through my shoulders all day. Those are the ones that, while I cannot necessarily ignore them, I do accept that they are there; thereby making them easier to ignore!! I think. Regardless, these are the neural pathways that need retraining.
Warm hugs,
