When the Pain Isn’t Where You Think: Lessons from My Doctor’s Visit

Recently, I visited a physical therapist at my doctor's behest for persistent pain in my shoulder. I assumed it was a simple strain or perhaps a lingering effect from sleeping in a strange position. After a series of questions, gentle prodding, manipulations, and a few diagnostic movements, I was shocked to hear that the shoulder pain wasn't a problem with my shoulder, but the results of an issue with my neck!

Needless to say, I was stunned. How could discomfort so real and localized in my shoulder actually be rooted elsewhere? Yet, the more the doctor explained, the clearer it became. The nerves and muscles in our bodies are intricately connected. Pain can radiate, manifesting in a location far from its true source.

As I left the office, this revelation lingered with me. I realized this isn’t just a medical reality—it’s a spiritual one as well.

Pain with a Hidden Source

How often do we notice problems in our lives—frustration in our relationships, anxiety about the future, struggles with temptation—and focus all our energy on fixing the “symptom,” only to find the problem persists or returns in another form? Like my shoulder pain, I am convinced that many of our spiritual and emotional aches have deeper roots than we realize.

This pattern isn’t new; throughout the Bible, we see surface struggles that actually stemmed from deeper spiritual roots. Let's consider:

1. King Saul’s Jealousy (1 Samuel 18:6-9) Although Saul’s rage and irrational outbursts toward David seemed to be about David’s popularity and military success, maybe it's possible that the root issue was Saul’s insecurity, disobedience, and fear of losing God’s favor. The external “pain” was jealousy, but the source may have been a spiritual disconnect from God.

2. The Paralytic Man (Mark 2:1-12) When friends lowered a paralytic through the roof to see Jesus, everyone expected a physical healing. But Jesus’ first words were, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” The presenting issue was paralysis, but Jesus addressed the deeper need for forgiveness and spiritual restoration.

3. The Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4:7-26) This woman came to draw water, but Jesus quickly moved the conversation to her deeper thirst—her longing for acceptance, belonging, and truth. The surface issue was physical thirst; the source was spiritual emptiness.

Spiritual Symptoms and Hidden Roots

Just as my shoulder ached because of a neck issue, we may experience:

• Anger that’s really rooted in fear or unresolved hurt.

• Anxiety that springs from a lack of trust in God’s provision or plan.

• Bitterness that has its roots in unforgiveness.

• Restlessness that betrays a deeper longing for purpose and connection with God.

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The Remedy: Seeking the Deeper Source

So, what’s the remedy when spiritual (or emotional) pain presents in unexpected places?

1. Honest Examination David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV). We must invite God to reveal what’s beneath the surface.

2. Confession and Surrender When the true issue is exposed, confess it to God. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, ESV). Surrender the root issue, not just the symptoms.

3. Allow God’s Healing Let the Holy Spirit minister to the deep places. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3, NIV). Sometimes, this means seeking wise counsel, prayer, or accountability.

4. Walk in Obedience Once you know the source, take steps in faith and obedience. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV).

Finally

Pain—whether physical or spiritual—can be misleading. What we feel isn’t always where the real issue lies. I’m grateful the physical therapist helped me see past the symptom to the source. Even more, I’m grateful that God does the same in our spiritual lives. He sees beyond what’s presenting and invites us to heal at the root.

If you find yourself wrestling with persistent issues, pause and ask: Is this pain coming from somewhere deeper? Let God search your heart, reveal the hidden source, and begin the work of true healing.

Coach

Kathryn