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July 24, 2007

Physical Manifestations of Grief

Everybody has pain periodically throughout life. Many people have chronic nagging pains due to posture, injury or illness. No matter what physical condition any given person is in, grief can create physical pain or exacerbate an existing condition. This was the case last week when a client arrived at my office complaining of increased pain in recent months due to their scoliosis. As it turns out, they had lost their spouse only months before.

Physical manifestations of grief commonly include fatigue, insomnia, anorexia, feelings of choking, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, menstrual irregularities, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Bereaved persons tend to frequently seek medical attention for vague symptoms such as chest discomfort or abdominal pain. While some physical complaints may seem to have no physiologic basis, there is a clear link between grief and increased vulnerability to physical and mental illness, especially heart disease and depression.

Stress, not eating right, insomnia, dehydration will all cause physical discomfort which is why it is so important for the grieving to have continued support beyond the funeral. The changes in one's routine may be disorienting and add a further burden to the stress of coping with loss.

Various studies have shown that surviving spouses may have increased odds of suffering heart disease, cancer, depression, alcoholism, and suicide, says Dan Leviton, PhD, first president of the Association for Death Education and Counseling. He notes, though, that not everyone has higher risk for disease because they may cope well with loss.

Resources for coping with many kinds of loss including a spouse, child, pet, and loss due to natural disasters and terrorism can be found at The Association For Death Education and Counseling website. They also have a link to find a thanatologist, an expert on death and dying.

tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy grief bodywork health

Posted by linda at July 24, 2007 7:16 AM