Did you know that one in six people experience neuroplastic pain (also known as TMS or mind body syndrome) in their lifetime?
Conditions such as chronic back and neck pain, headaches, IBS, fibromyalgia, and pelvic pain often fall under the umbrella of mind body syndrome. While the symptoms may feel physical, the root causes can often be traced back to how our brain processes stress, emotions, and experiences.
In this post, I’ll explore how personality traits and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can predispose someone to develop TMS—and more importantly, what you can do to support your healing.
What Is Neuroplastic Pain?
Neuroplastic pain refers to pain that is caused by changes in the brain and nervous system, rather than by structural damage in the body. It’s also called Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) or Mind Body Syndrome.
People who experience this type of pain often have symptoms with no clear physical cause, and traditional treatments don’t always work. That’s because the root issue is often emotional, psychological, or related to how we’ve learned to respond to stress.
Common Personality Traits Linked to TMS
Some personality types are more likely to experience neuroplastic pain. These traits aren’t “bad” on their own—in fact, they often make us compassionate, responsible, and successful—but when unbalanced, they can contribute to chronic pain.
Here are some of the most common traits associated with TMS:
- Perfectionism
- People pleasing
- The need to be liked
- Over-responsibility
- Avoidance of conflict
- Repressed anger
- High expectations of oneself
- Tendency toward anxiety or worry
- Weak or unclear boundaries
Adverse Childhood Experiences and TMS
Another significant factor in the development of TMS is Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Research shows that around 72% of Australian children have had at least one ACE, and many adults with TMS also report a history of early life trauma.
Common ACEs include:
- Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
- Emotional or physical neglect
- Exposure to family violence
- Parental substance use or mental illness
- Parental separation or incarceration
These early experiences often lead to low self-esteem, emotional repression, and the development of coping mechanisms like perfectionism and people pleasing—which, in turn, increase susceptibility to neuroplastic pain.
A Closer Look at the Traits
Let’s dive deeper into some of the most common personality traits linked to TMS and how they may affect your healing.
1. Perfectionism
Perfectionism isn’t just about wanting everything to be neat and tidy. It often shows up in areas that matter most—health, relationships, career. People with this trait may fear making mistakes, take a long time to complete tasks, or even avoid doing things altogether to avoid failing.
When it comes to healing, perfectionism can actually slow progress. The drive to “heal perfectly” can create added stress and pressure. A better approach? Mindfulness.
Try noticing your thoughts:
- “There’s the thought that I’m not doing this right.”
- “There’s the thought that I should be healed by now.”
Labelling thoughts in this way helps you step back from them and reduce their emotional impact.
Try this: Explore somatic tracking, which can help you tune into your sensations without fear. You can try my short somatic tracking audio here.
2. People Pleasing
People pleasers often appear easy-going and kind—but underneath, they may fear rejection, judgment, or conflict. This trait often leads to self-neglect and emotional suppression.
As author Anita Moorjani puts it, when we people-please, we disconnect from ourselves to maintain connection with others.
Tip: Ask yourself, “What do I really want?” and “What is best for me in this moment/situation?”
Let these questions guide you back to your own needs and values.
3. Over-Responsibility
Do you often feel responsible for other people’s feelings or problems? That’s a sign of over-responsibility, which is often driven by anxiety and a need to control outcomes.
This trait can lead to emotional burnout and can pull your focus away from your own healing. Instead of turning inward, you’re focused on fixing things for everyone else.
Reminder: You are not responsible for other people’s happiness.
4. Avoidance
Avoidance may not be a personality trait per se, but it’s a key pattern in TMS. We often avoid uncomfortable emotions, difficult thoughts, or traumatic memories—sometimes without even realising it.
As Steve Ozanich says, “Life goes on, emotions buried alive.”
But these buried emotions don’t just go away—they often show up in our bodies.
Practice noticing: What are you avoiding? What thoughts or feelings do you push down?
Do I Need to Change My Personality to Heal?
Absolutely not.
Traits like kindness, responsibility, and high standards can be beautiful. The goal isn’t to change your personality—it’s to bring awareness to how these traits show up in ways that may not serve you and learn to respond with compassion and balance.
Helpful Strategies for Healing Neuroplastic Pain
Here are some of my favourite techniques that support emotional awareness and healing:
1. Noticing and Labelling Thoughts
Use phrases like:
- “There’s that thought again.”
- “I’m noticing I’m wanting to please others.”
This helps reduce reactivity and creates emotional space.
2. Somatic Tracking
A simple body awareness practice that helps you feel sensations without fear. You can access my short somatic tracking audio here.
3. Journaling (Without Perfectionism)
Use prompts like:
- What thoughts or feelings have I been avoiding?
- Did I act from a place of people pleasing or perfectionism?
- What emotions were underlying my reaction?
And always end with self-care—a few deep breaths, gentle tapping, or placing your hand over your heart.
Final Thoughts
If you recognise yourself in some of these personality traits, know that you’re not alone—and there’s nothing wrong with you. Many of us have developed these patterns to cope with stress, trauma, and the world around us.
Healing from neuroplastic pain is not about fixing yourself. It’s about understanding yourself, honouring your emotions, and gently shifting the patterns that no longer serve you.
If you suspect you’re dealing with MBS, consider scheduling a free consultation to explore potential solutions.
To learn more about hypnosis see my FAQ.
Disclaimer: While this information provides general insights into MBS, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Individuals should seek guidance from medical practitioners for personalized diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.
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