Psychology for Everyone

The Headaches That Had No Cause

Prakash Nair, forty-four, a bank manager in Thiruvananthapuram, had tension headaches, a tight stomach and sore shoulders for months. He had seen two doctors and had scans done. Everything was normal. 'Then why do I hurt…

Prakash Nair, forty-four, a bank manager in Thiruvananthapuram, had tension headaches, a tight stomach and sore shoulders for months. He had seen two doctors and had scans done. Everything was normal. 'Then why do I hurt?' he asked his wife, almost angry.

His family doctor, Dr Thomas, listened to the whole story, including the target-driven job, a sick father and sleepless nights. He explained that mind and body are not separate. Long-standing worry keeps the body on alert: muscles tighten, digestion becomes upset, sleep is light. And in the other direction, poor sleep, pain and a sore body make the mind more anxious. 'Your pain is real,' he said. 'It is not imaginary. But part of the treatment lies in calming the whole system.'

He suggested small steps: a ten-minute slow breathing practice at lunch, a gentle walk after dinner, a body scan before bed (slowly relaxing each part from toes to head), and a conversation with a counsellor about the pressures at work. He also asked Prakash to continue his check-ups.

After six weeks the headaches came less often. Prakash noticed that when his shoulders dropped, his thoughts slowed. 'I used to think I had to choose between treating my body and my mind,' he said. 'It turns out they were one problem.'

How to recognise it

  • Repeated headaches, stomach upsets, muscle pain, palpitations or tiredness with normal medical tests.

  • Symptoms that worsen in stressful periods and ease in relaxed times.

  • Poor sleep, constant worry, and difficulty switching off.

  • Avoiding fun or rest because of a belief that the pain means something terrible.

  • Pattern lasting weeks, affecting work and family.

What this story explains

The chapter's mind-body connection shows how the mind affects the body through stress, and the body affects the mind through pain and sleep. Practices like breathing, body scan and relaxation support recovery alongside medical care.

Probable root causes

  • Long-term stress and worry keeping the body in an alert state.

  • Poor sleep, little exercise and unrelaxed posture.

  • Anxiety or low mood that shows up as physical symptoms.

  • Medical conditions that need to be ruled out first.

What to do

  1. Get a proper medical check to rule out physical illness.

  2. Practise slow breathing for a few minutes, two or three times a day.

  3. Try a body scan or progressive muscle relaxation at bedtime.

  4. Add daily gentle movement such as walking or stretching.

  5. See a counsellor if worry and stress are heavy, and follow up with your doctor.

Whom to consult

  • Family doctor first, for a full check of the physical symptoms.

  • Clinical psychologist or counsellor if stress, anxiety or low mood is part of the picture.

  • Specialist doctors only as your doctor advises for specific symptoms.

  • Psychiatrist if symptoms or low mood are severe or persistent.

Do and don’t

Do Don’t
Do take physical symptoms seriously. Don't say 'it is all in your head'.
Do practise relaxation daily, even briefly. Don't skip medical checks.
Do keep regular sleep times. Don't rely only on tablets for pain without understanding causes.
Do keep follow-up appointments. Don't keep overworking despite warning signs.
Do talk about the stress behind the symptoms. Don't expect instant results from relaxation.

How to behave and communicate

  • Validate: 'I believe your pain is real, and I want to help.'

  • Avoid dismissing: 'there is nothing wrong with you'.

  • Ask about life pressures gently: 'What has been weighing on you lately?'

  • Listen without hurry.

  • Encourage small steps: 'Shall we do the breathing together tonight?'