Is Modern Life Making Us Sick? The Hidden Link Between Comfort and Chronic Pain
We live in one of the most comfortable times in human history. For many of us, food is available at the tap of a button, we sleep in warm beds, and entertainment is never more than a swipe away. But here is the paradox. Despite all of this comfort, rates of chronic pain, anxiety, and stress are higher than ever before.
So what is going on? Could the very things that make life easier also be fuelling pain conditions like back pain, IBS, fibromyalgia, and pelvic pain?
Let’s explore what modern life does to the body and why it matters if you are living with TMS or any form of chronic pain.
The Pace of Modern Life and Stress
Modern life moves fast. Our nervous systems are constantly switched on, reacting to emails, notifications, deadlines, and the pressure to always be “on.” This constant state of activation keeps the body tense. Over time, that tension can create or worsen back pain, headaches, digestive issues, or fibromyalgia symptoms.
When the body never gets the chance to rest, stress accumulates. That stress has to go somewhere, and often it shows up in the body as pain.
This is why so many people with chronic conditions say they feel worse during busy or stressful times. The body is simply overloaded.
The Comfort Paradox
We live in a world that sells comfort at all costs. Sofas, fast food, instant entertainment, everything designed to keep us away from discomfort.
But comfort has a hidden downside. When we avoid discomfort, we lose resilience. We expect life to be smooth and pain-free, and when adversity does come, our systems struggle to cope.
In the context of TMS and chronic pain, this avoidance can backfire. The body actually needs us to face discomfort, to feel what we have been running from, and to process the emotions we have suppressed. If we never give ourselves that chance, pain can become the messenger that forces us to stop.
Disconnection from the Body
So much of modern life keeps us in our heads. Screens, work, constant stimulation — it all pulls us away from noticing what is happening inside.
But the body does not forget. Anxiety, stress, grief, and anger that are never expressed can get stored in the nervous system and muscles. For many people, that shows up as pelvic pain, IBS, migraines, or back pain.
In approaches like mindbody healing and TMS work, reconnecting with the body is essential. Pain is not just a mechanical problem — it is often a signal that something deeper needs attention.
If you want help working with fear and learning how to stay present with what arises in your body, you can join my Pain Relief Community for support and guidance.
The "Get Over It" Culture
Our culture often tells us to get over things, move on, or toughen up. Therapy is becoming more accepted, but it still carries stigma if someone is in it long term.
This “just move on” rhetoric can actually lessen our ability to give the nervous system what it needs most: time, space, and compassion. Pain asks us to slow down and listen. Society often pushes us to do the opposite.
So What Is the Antidote?
I do not believe we need to reject modern life. The answer is not to throw away technology or return to living like our ancestors. The antidote is about integration.
That means:
Slowing down – Not by becoming passive, but by carving out space to connect with your body. This might look like sitting quietly in meditation, even for just a few minutes, and noticing what arises. Often you will meet restlessness, boredom, or discomfort. Instead of distracting yourself, even with “productive” activities, the practice is to stay with it. Over time, you build the capacity to feel emotions and sensations without needing to run.
Reconnecting with your body – When you pause, you begin to notice where tension and emotion are stored. This awareness is the first step toward healing. For people with TMS, back pain, fibromyalgia, IBS, or pelvic pain, this can be a game changer. The body often holds what the mind cannot.
Finding community and mentorship – Healing has always thrived in connection. Being witnessed, supported, and encouraged by others regulates the nervous system in ways that isolation cannot. When you share your pain journey with others, the burden feels lighter and the body often responds.
Allowing discomfort to build resilience – Modern life tells us to avoid struggle, but resilience grows by meeting it. This does not mean suffering endlessly, but it does mean allowing yourself to face what is uncomfortable rather than running from it. With time, your nervous system learns that you are safe even in challenge.
Slowing down, reconnecting, and allowing these experiences into your daily life can create the exact conditions the nervous system needs to heal.
Final Thoughts
Modern life has given us so much, but it has also created an environment that fuels stress, anxiety, and chronic pain. The good news is you do not have to reject the world you live in. You can choose to slow down, reconnect, and bring practices into your daily life that support healing.
Pain is not a sign that you are broken. It is often a signal that something inside you is asking for care and attention. When we stop running, stop distracting, and stop suppressing, the body has an incredible capacity to heal.
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If you want more support on this journey and a place to connect with others who are also healing, join the Pain Relief Community. Inside you will find group calls, a supportive chat space, guided tools, and ongoing workshops to help you move through chronic pain and back into life.