There is a close relationship between stress and chronic pain. Stress can make existing pain worse, and chronic pain can lead to increased stress levels. It’s a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break. There are several ways that the two conditions interact. Stress can cause muscles to tense up, leading to pain. It can also increase the production of inflammatory chemicals, which can aggravate chronic pain conditions.
It’s important to understand the connection between stress and chronic pain so that you can take steps to reduce your stress levels and improve your pain management. April marks Stress Awareness Month. This article will look more at the connection between stress and chronic pain and whether it can make conditions like peripheral neuropathy worse.
The Relationship Between Stress and Chronic Pain
Does stress make chronic pain (such as peripheral neuropathy) worse?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that results from damage to the peripheral nerves. These are the nerves that carry messages from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.
Stress may make peripheral neuropathy worse. Living in a state of constant stress can have a detrimental effect, and neuropathy symptoms might be worsened on certain days due to high levels of stress.
It’s not clear exactly how stress contributes to peripheral neuropathy, but it may be due to the way that stress affects the immune system. The immune system is involved in developing peripheral neuropathy and may be activated by stress. In addition, stress can lead to changes in the way that you perceive pain. You may feel more pain when you’re stressed, or the pain may be more intense.
What is the stress-pain connection?
The cycle of stress and pain is a complex one. It’s not always clear which comes first: the pain or the stress. In some cases, it’s possible that the two conditions develop together.
The stress-pain connection is a cycle in which stress can lead to increased pain, and increased pain can lead to more stress. Stress can cause muscles to tense up, leading to pain. It can also increase the production of inflammatory chemicals, which can aggravate chronic pain conditions.
Cortisol is a hormone that is released in response to stress. This hormone can have a negative effect on the body, including increasing pain. In addition, chronic pain can lead to changes in the way that you perceive life. You may find it harder to do the things you used to enjoy, or you may feel less able to cope with stress. In this cycle, it’s easy to see how stress and pain can feed off each other.
It’s important to understand the connection between stress and chronic pain so that you can take steps to reduce your stress levels and improve your pain management.
How to control stress and reduce pain
Controlling your stress can help reduce pain. The lesser the cortisol that is released in response to stress, the better. There are several things that you can do to control your stress levels and reduce pain. Some of these include:
- Maintain good mental health by talking to someone about your feelings, participating in activities you enjoy, and practicing relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting enough sleep
- Participating in stress-reduction programs
- Counseling or therapy
- Taking medication to control stress
- Taking breaks throughout the day to relax
There are many ways that you can reduce stress in your life. Some people respond well to exercise, while others find that relaxation techniques work better. It’s important to find what works best for you and find a combination of strategies that can help you manage your stress. If you can get your stress under control, you may find that your pain is also improved.
How to manage living with chronic pain
Living with chronic pain can be difficult. It can affect every aspect of your life, from work to relationships. In addition, chronic pain can be very frustrating, and it’s often hard to find relief. There are several things that you can do to manage living with chronic pain such as:
- See a pain management specialist
- Participate in a pain management program
- Use medication to control your pain
- Try complementary therapies such as acupuncture or massage
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy diet
- Get enough sleep
- Talk to others who are living with chronic pain
Chronic pain can be very isolating. It’s often hard to find someone who understands what you’re going through. Talking to others who are living with chronic pain can be helpful. It can allow you to share your experiences and learn from others.
You may also want to consider seeing a pain management specialist or participating in a pain management program. These professionals can help you manage your pain and find relief.
Conclusion
Living with chronic pain, such as peripheral neuropathy, can be difficult. It is important to remember that you are not alone, and there are things that you can do to manage your pain. The connection between stress and chronic pain is strong, so it is important to find ways to reduce your stress levels.
If you can get your stress under control, you may find that your pain is also improved. Managing chronic pain can be difficult, but it’s possible with the right tools. Try these tips and see what works best for you.
WinSanTor is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of treatments for peripheral neuropathies. We believe in creating a solution that works and brings relief to millions that are struggling with this disease. Learn more about our company, our drug and subscribe to our newsletter.
Sources
- “Chronic Pain and Chronic Stress: Two Sides of the Same Coin?”. NIH National Library of Medicine
- “Tips for Managing Stress When You Have FAP”. FAP News Today
- “Managing Chronic Pain: 11 Coping Tips for Living With Chronic Back Pain”. WebMD
- “8 tips for managing chronic pain”. Mayo Clinic
- “What Is Cortisol?”. Verywell Mind
- “The Stress-Pain Connection”. Stanford Children’s Hospital
- “Understanding the Connection Between Stress and Pain”. Boston Pain Care
