The Relationship Between Chronic Pain and Neurodivergence
Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by persistent pain that lasts for at least three months and often causes significant physical and emotional distress. While chronic pain can affect anyone, recent research has shown that there may be a relationship between chronic pain and neurodivergence.
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Neurodivergence is a term used to describe people who have atypical neurological development or functioning. This includes conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexia, among others. These conditions can affect a person’s ability to process sensory information, communicate, and interact with others in social situations.
Learn more about my adult autism & ADHD diagnostic experience here.
The information in this blog post is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read online. The author of this post is not a licensed medical professional and does not assume any liability for any actions taken based on the information contained in this post.
Research on Chronic Pain and Neurodivergence
Research has shown that people with neurodivergent conditions may be more susceptible to chronic pain. For example, a study published in Pain Reports found that autistic individuals had higher levels of pain sensitivity compared to typically developing individuals. Another study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that autistic adults experience “unique pain profiles and experiences.”
One reason for this increased susceptibility to chronic pain may be related to sensory processing differences in neurodivergent individuals. Sensory processing refers to how the nervous system receives, interprets, and responds to sensory information from the environment. People with neurodivergent conditions may have differences in sensory processing that make them more sensitive to pain.
For example, autistic individuals may have heightened sensitivity to certain types of sensory input, such as touch, sound, or light. This can make them more susceptible to pain from physical stimuli that would not bother typically developing individuals. Similarly, individuals with ADHD may have difficulty filtering out irrelevant sensory information, leading to increased distraction and discomfort in the presence of pain.
Another possible explanation for the relationship between chronic pain and neurodivergence is related to mental health. Research has shown that individuals with neurodivergent conditions are at increased risk for anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate the experience of chronic pain. In addition, the stress and social isolation associated with living with a neurodivergent condition may contribute to the development of chronic pain.
Barriers to Effective Pain Management for Neurodivergents
Barriers to effective pain management can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent individuals. Neurodivergence can affect communication, sensory processing, and executive functioning, all of which can impact a person’s ability to describe their pain, follow through with pain management strategies, and advocate for themselves in healthcare settings. Here are some specific barriers that neurodivergent individuals may face:
Difficulty Communicating Pain Levels and Descriptions
Neurodivergent individuals may have difficulty communicating their pain levels and the type of pain they are experiencing. This can be due to differences in language and communication abilities, as well as sensory processing differences that can make it challenging to describe sensations accurately.
In my own experience, alexithymia makes it difficult to describe these sensations. I still remember the first time a pediatrician asked me what kind of pain I was experiencing–all I knew was that it hurt!
Challenges With Pain Scale Use
Pain scales are a common tool used by healthcare providers to assess a patient’s pain level. However, these scales can be difficult for neurodivergent individuals to use, particularly if they have difficulty with abstract concepts or numerical reasoning. For example, an individual with dyscalculia may have difficulty understanding the numbers on a pain scale. Pair this with the inherent difficulty of using a standard healthy person’s pain scale while living with chronic pain and you have a recipe for disaster!
Sensory Processing Differences
As noted earlier, neurodivergent individuals may have differences in sensory processing that make them more sensitive to pain. For example, an individual with ASD may be particularly sensitive to touch or sound, which can exacerbate their experience of pain. Healthcare providers may need to take these sensory differences into account when developing pain management strategies.
Executive Functioning Challenges
Executive functioning refers to a set of cognitive processes that help individuals plan, organize, and complete tasks. Many neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD, may have challenges with executive functioning that can make it difficult to follow through with pain management strategies. For example, an individual with ADHD may have difficulty remembering to take pain medication at the appropriate time or keeping track of when they need to schedule follow-up appointments.
Social Anxiety and Healthcare Avoidance
Individuals with neurodivergent conditions may also be more likely to experience social anxiety or discomfort in healthcare settings, which can lead to avoidance of medical care. This can be particularly problematic when it comes to pain management, as untreated pain can have a significant impact on quality of life. Healthcare providers may need to take steps to create a welcoming and accommodating environment for neurodivergent patients, such as offering sensory-friendly exam rooms or providing visual aids to help with communication.
Coping With Chronic Pain and Neurodivergence
Despite the potential challenges associated with chronic pain and neurodivergence, there are a number of strategies that can be helpful in managing these conditions. These may include:
Working With a Healthcare Provider to Develop a Pain Management Plan
A healthcare provider can help neurodivergent individuals to develop a pain management plan that takes into account their unique needs and challenges. This may include medication, physical therapy, or other treatments. It may also involve developing strategies for communication and pain monitoring, such as using a pain diary or visual aids to describe the pain.
Engaging in Regular Exercise or Physical Therapy
It’s easier said than done, but regular exercise and physical therapy can be helpful in managing chronic pain, as they can improve physical function, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. However, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider or physical therapist to develop an exercise plan that is safe and appropriate for the individual’s abilities and needs.
Practicing Relaxation Techniques Such as Meditation or Deep Breathing
Relaxation techniques can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate chronic pain. For neurodivergent individuals who may have sensory sensitivities or difficulty with traditional meditation practices, alternative techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery may be more effective.
Seeking Support
Chronic pain can be isolating and impact mental health, so it’s important to seek support from a therapist or support group. For neurodivergent individuals, it may be helpful to seek out a therapist who has experience working with individuals with similar conditions or to look for support groups specifically for individuals with chronic pain and neurodivergent conditions.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, consider utilizing Talkspace online therapy.
It’s also important to advocate for oneself in healthcare settings, to ensure that healthcare providers are aware of the individual’s neurodivergent condition and any specific accommodations that may be needed. By taking a proactive approach to pain management, neurodivergent individuals can improve their quality of life and reduce the impact of chronic pain on their daily activities.
In addition, it is important to recognize that everyone’s experience of chronic pain and neurodivergence is unique. What works for one person may not work for another, and it may take time to find the right combination of strategies and treatments. However, with patience, persistence, and a willingness to experiment with different approaches, it is possible to improve quality of life and reduce the impact of chronic pain and neurodivergence.
In conclusion, chronic pain and neurodivergence are complex and challenging conditions that can have a significant impact on a person’s life. While there is still much to be learned about the relationship between these two conditions, research suggests that neurodivergent individuals may be more susceptible to chronic pain due to differences in sensory processing and mental health. With the right combination of strategies and support, it is possible to manage chronic pain and improve the quality of life for those with neurodivergent conditions.
