What is interoception?

Have you ever felt your heart pound, your head pound or your stomach growl? If so, you were feeling those sensations through a specialized branch of your autonomic nervous system called the interoceptive nervous system.

Interoception, a crucial aspect of our nervous system, plays a significant role in influencing both pain perception and emotional regulation. The term refers to the body's ability to sense and interpret internal signals, such as heartbeat, breathing, and digestive processes. This internal awareness is intricately linked to the musculoskeletal system, contributing to the perception of pain and emotional states.

Pain, in essence, is a complex interplay between sensory signals and the brain's interpretation of those signals. Interoception serves as a key mediator in this process. When there is a disturbance or injury to the musculoskeletal system, such as in the case of injury or inflammation, interoceptive signals are heightened. These signals are transmitted to the brain, which then processes and interprets them as pain. The connection between interoception and the musculoskeletal system is integral to our ability to recognize and respond to physical discomfort.

Moreover, the interoceptive nervous system has a profound impact on emotional regulation. The sensations perceived through interoception contribute to our emotional experiences. For instance, heightened interoceptive awareness during stressful situations can trigger a cascade of physiological responses, influencing emotional states like anxiety or fear. Conversely, disruptions in interoceptive processing may contribute to emotional dysregulation, as seen in conditions like anxiety disorders or depression.

The brain regions responsible for processing interoceptive signals overlap with those involved in emotional regulation. The insula, a key structure in the brain, integrates interoceptive information and plays a pivotal role in shaping emotional responses. As a result, disturbances in interoceptive processing can contribute to alterations in emotional states and may exacerbate conditions where emotional regulation is compromised.

Referred pain, a phenomenon where pain is perceived in an area distant from the actual source, is another manifestation of the intricate interplay between interoception and the musculoskeletal system. The brain's interpretation of interoceptive signals can lead to the misattribution of pain, causing discomfort in seemingly unrelated areas. Understanding the interoceptive basis of referred pain is essential for comprehending the complexities of pain perception and providing targeted interventions for relief.

In summary, interoception serves as a vital link between the musculoskeletal system, pain perception, and emotional regulation. The heightened awareness of internal signals influences our perception of pain, while disturbances in interoceptive processing contribute to emotional dysregulation. This intricate interplay underscores the importance of considering both physiological and emotional aspects in understanding and addressing pain-related conditions. Manual techniques, including visceral manipulation and nervous system stimulation, combined with education aimed at reframing bodily sensations, are some of the ways I work to decrease pain and normalize signals coming from the interoceptive nervous system.