Sexual assault can lead to chronic pain through complex interactions between trauma, PTSD, and neurobiological changes in the body.
In a recent interview Lady Gaga made a heart-breaking connection between her fibromyalgia and her history as a survivor of sexual assault. She explained that her chronic pain often “mimics” the physical sensations of past trauma, essentially trapping her body in a loop of fight-or-flight.
This level of honesty helped bridge the gap between trauma recovery and chronic illness advocacy.
How sexual assault leads to chronic pain
It is commonly known that sexual violence can lead to depression, post-traumatic stress and other anxiety disorders, sleep difficulties, eating disorders, and suicide attempts. A study by WHO in 2013 found that women who have experienced intimate partner violence were almost twice as likely to experience depression and problem drinking.
Health effects can also include headaches, pain syndromes (back pain, abdominal pain, and chronic pelvic pain) gastrointestinal disorders, limited mobility and poor overall health.
Research shows that survivors of sexual assault often experience persistent physical pain, even in the absence of ongoing injury. PTSD symptoms and pain can create a self-reinforcing cycle, where trauma-related stress triggers sudden spikes in pain, and severe or disruptive pain worsens PTSD symptoms, increasing the risk of chronic pain over time (UNLV Study). This pattern can manifest as headaches, body aches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and chronic pelvic pain (UCLA Health).
How can it affect our brains and can we be retrained?
Trauma from sexual assault can trigger what are known as ‘Neurobiological Mechanisms’.
This affects the brain and nervous system, altering pain perception and stress responses. This neurobiological impact can make pain more intense, unpredictable, and resistant to standard treatments. The interaction between psychological and physical symptoms highlights the importance of addressing both simultaneously.
Care techniques and therapy that might help
Trauma-informed care is critical for survivors, emphasizing safety, empowerment, and control in medical and therapeutic settings (Harvard Health). Early intervention targeting PTSD symptoms may help prevent pain from becoming chronic and life-altering (UNLV Study). Treatment strategies may include:
Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused therapy to address PTSD and emotional distress.
Pain management: Multidisciplinary approaches combining physical therapy, medication, and relaxation techniques.
Supportive care: Access to social support, counselling, and survivor networks to reduce isolation and improve coping.
The connection between sexual trauma and chronic pain is real!
Chronic pain after sexual assault is not merely a physical issue but a complex interplay of trauma, stress, and neurobiological changes. Recognizing the connection between sexual trauma and long-term pain is essential for effective treatment. Survivors can benefit from early, trauma-informed interventions that address both psychological and physical health, improving recovery outcomes and quality of life.
I think I may have this, how can I seek help?
- If you’re comfortable, you can tell your GP that you have a history of sexual assault or trauma. It is your choice whether you want to discuss your trauma history with your health professional. If you choose not to, you can still seek care for any health issues related to your sexual assault. This is a confidential part of your medical record, like any other part of your medical history.
- Starting a conversation. If you decide to share, you can start the conversation with one of these examples:
- “I want you to know I have a history of trauma.”
- “My trauma continues to affect my health today in [insert ways].”
If the GP asks follow-up questions about your traumatic experience, know that you can provide as little or as much detail as you feel comfortable sharing.
- Medical record confidentiality. Ask if your GP practice provides any extra levels of confidentiality for your medical record. Sometimes, this includes additional access restrictions or passwords to enter your health record. This can be especially important if you have an abusive partner, or a previous perpetrator that you are concerned will try to inappropriately gain access to your medical records.
How to move forward…
According to Fibro Bond, Lady Gaga’s bravery in linking these two worlds has helped many survivors understand their own unexplained physical symptoms. Her efforts emphasise that “head to toe pain” is often the body’s way of crying out for healing. By speaking her truth, she continues to lead a global movement of radical transparency, proving that acknowledging your trauma is the first step toward managing your pain.
While many people heal fully in time, traumatic events like these may contribute to long-lasting health issues such as heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and certain mental health conditions. Being aware of these possibilities can help you – and your GP or health visitor, if you choose to share with them – identify and respond to health issues promptly.
It’s important to remember that we are in control. Our trauma doesn’t have to define us. Knowing how to get proper treatment and support can help people who have experienced sexual violence live fulfilling, healthy lives.
References: World Health Organisation – WHO 2013, UCLA (University of California Health), UNLV (University of Nevada), Harvard Health Publishing, Fibro Bond, Oprah’s 2020 Vision Tour (Live Interview), January 4, 2020.