By Savanah Mickey, LAT, ATC, CEAS

Pain is a universal human experience. We encounter it in different forms, whether physical, mental, or emotional, with physical pain being the most commonly recognized. But pain is not purely physical. It involves how the body processes sensory input alongside an emotional response, regardless of whether tissue damage is present. In reality, pain is a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.

Bump, Bruise, & Beyond

We may all experience acute pain, something that comes on suddenly and resolves over time. But for about 21% of the U.S. population, pain becomes chronic. Chronic pain persists beyond the normal recovery period, typically lasting longer than three months, and may be constant or intermittent. Over time, it can begin to interfere with daily activities and emotional well-being.

One factor that contributes to this is known as the fear avoidance model. When individuals begin to fear pain or expect it to worsen, they may avoid certain movements or activities altogether. This avoidance is not necessarily driven by the intensity of the pain itself, but by how the pain is perceived. Over time, increased fear and avoidance are associated with a greater likelihood of anxiety, depression, and ongoing disability.

The Ripple Effect

Depression and anxiety are leading causes of disability worldwide, affecting both quality of life and overall health. They are closely connected to chronic pain and often occur together. In individuals with chronic pain, roughly 40% experience symptoms of depression or anxiety, highlighting how closely these conditions are linked.

Because of this connection, treating chronic pain often goes beyond physical symptoms. Approaches like physical therapy, psychological support, mindfulness, and lifestyle habits such as diet, exercise, and sleep are used to reduce pain and improve overall function.

Taking the Pain to Work

Chronic pain doesn’t just affect how someone feels, it affects how they move, think, and perform on the job. For the industrial athlete, this can show up as hesitation with certain tasks, avoiding certain movements, or feeling less confident during a shift.

Pain and mental health are closely linked. Fear, anxiety, and depression can impact decision-making and awareness, increasing fatigue and injury risk. Addressing chronic pain means looking beyond the physical so industrial athletes can move and perform with confidence.

Don’t Just Push Through It

When pain starts to affect more than the body, there are a few simple ways to respond.

• Calm the system. Pain can trigger a stress response. Take a few minutes to slow your breathing, in through the nose, hold, and out slowly, to help settle things before they build.
• Check your thoughts. It’s easy to assume the worst or avoid movement altogether. Ask yourself: Is this accurate? Is this helpful? Adjusting that response can change how the body reacts.
• Take action early. Speak up about discomfort, stay consistent with movement and recovery, and don’t ignore when something feels off.
• Look out for others. A quick check-in with a teammate can go a long way.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, emotional distress, or substance use, support is available. Call or text 988 anytime.

Savanah Mickey, LAT, ATC, CEAS || Savanah has 5 years of athletic training experience across the military and industrial settings. When she isn’t assisting industrial athletes in western Kentucky, she enjoys golfing, working out, taking her cat for a walk, and baking.

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Be sure to check out our other blogs for further injury prevention education and tips for the industrial athlete from Work Right!