Perfection and pain: More linked than you think

While striving for perfection is associated with high standards and performance, there is a dark side that can impact your mental health and wellbeing as well as your physical. Just like sprinting to the end of a goal can create stressors for your body, so too can the relentless pursuit of unobtainable goals.

AND for “Jane” - a 45-year-old woman with a demanding job, loving family and penchant for perfectionism - a combination of an injury, life and work pressures fed her fear of being imperfect. The result? A vicious mental and physical pain cycle.

Previously active in pilates, riding, and running, Jane's life took a turn when she experienced a disc herniation in her lower back.

The impact was profound: disrupted sleep, reduced activity levels, unable to sit or stand for long periods, and a vicious cycle where stress exacerbated her pain, and pain intensified her stress. Jane found it challenging to remain still for extended periods and relied on medication for pain management, despite the unpleasant side effects.

The perfectionist mindset added another layer of complexity. Fear of imperfection threatened  procrastination and overthinking, amplifying pain and discomfort. High work demands only worsened the situation, leaving Jane overwhelmed and exhausted.

Over ten weeks, Jane underwent a holistic coaching and treatment approach. Full-body mechanical assessments and corrective movements targeted to her unique patterns of biomechanical issues, while breathing techniques and mindfulness helped alleviate stress and negative self-evaluation. Mindset investigation allowed disruption of thoughts and behaviours that were confounding the challenge of recovery.

Now, let's delve into how heightened stress, particularly in the context of perfectionism and high work demands, influences pain perception. Stress can amplify pain signals, making even minor discomfort feel more intense. For perfectionists like Jane, the constant pressure to excel creates a perpetual state of stress, further sensitising the brain to pain. Coupled with demanding workloads, this creates a perfect storm for chronic pain.

Understanding this interplay allows us to develop strategies to manage stress effectively, reducing its impact on our well-being. By addressing the root causes and adopting holistic approaches, individuals like Jane can regain control over their pain and live fuller, more balanced lives.