S3 Ep 5 - Why Your Pain Can Feel Worse Around People (And Better At Home)

If you have a pain problem, have you ever noticed how it can feel less 'painful' when you’re at home, but flares up when you have to go out, whether it's to work, a social event, or just a quick trip to the shops?Bob Allen (osteopath) and Clare Elsby (positive psychology coach and therapist) are back to help you understand something that can feel confusing and often worrying.In this episode, you’ll find out how your nervous system responds not just to your body, but to your environment too.Drawing on years of clinical experience, Bob explains how pain is not just about what’s happening in your body, but how your brain interprets your environment.When you’re in a familiar, safe space, whether that's at home or your favourite cafe, your system shifts into “relax, rest and recover” mode. If, on the other hand, you’re out in a busy shop, a hectic social situation, or unfamiliar surroundings, your system can become more alert, more protective… and this can make you more sensitive to pain.Don’t worry, as this is a normal, human response.Clare explores the psychological side of things, including social pressure, anxiety, and sensory overload. You’ll also hear how this can be amplified in neurodivergent individuals, where “masking” and trying to fit in can become emotionally and physically draining.Bob brings it back to what this means for your pain, explaining why conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, or invisible disabilities can feel worse in public, even when nothing “physical” has changed.This episode isn’t just about pain, it’s about understanding yourself and being more aware of what might be going on with others.Whether you are neurotypical or neurodivergent, when you understand how and why your environment can affect your pain, it becomes far more manageable and a lot less frightening. This is particularly relevant if you live with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or an invisible illness.If this resonates with you, share it with someone who might be experiencing the same thing, especially if their pain isn’t always visible.🔑 5 Key TakeawaysYour pain is influenced by your environment, not just what's going on with your body.Feeling safe can reduce your sensitivity to pain as your body shifts into a more parasympathetic (“rest and recover”) stateSocial stress, noise, and unpredictability can increase pain levelsNeurodivergence and “masking” can amplify fatigue, tension, and pain"Invisible" conditions are real and deserve understanding, not judgement🔗 Helpful ResourcesNHS overview of chronic pain – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-pain/NHS guide to fibromyalgia – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibromyalgia/Fibromyalgia: A Medical Review 2025 - https://www.clinexprheumatol.org/abstract.asp?a=22545What is neurodiversity? – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IxnY-fHTe0 📌 About Your HostsBob AllenOsteopath helping you understand and overcome pain with clear, practical advice 👉 https://bit.ly/BobsOsteoStoryClare ElsbyPositive psychology coach and therapist specialising in mindset, behaviour, and neurodiversity👉 https://www.clareelsby.com/📌 Socials📩 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/PFL_newsletter_signup🌐 More content & socials: https://linktr.ee/Painfreeliving⚠️ DisclaimerThis podcast provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace professional assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek qualified healthcare advice if you are in pain, have new or worsening symptoms, or have any concerns about your health before starting exercise or self-care routines.