Stress and pain.

[Disney Ontario]

Hi. Ok who thinks that they could be related? My Dr says stress can bring on more pain.
My father isn't doing well and is in the hospital, some close calls. I have been having knee problems and for the last couple weeks it has got worse, since he has gone in.
One nurse says that I am limping, maybe I should be in there also. Allright no cleaning or cooking,my house would be a mess when I got home and my kids are 16 &20. I will see what the doc wants done.

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm fairly certain that it's beyond a doubt that stress can cause pain.

Take care of yourself, even if you don't think you should, OK???

 

[Michelle67]

Stress and tension absolutely increase pain. One of the reasons they teach relaxation techniques in a childbirth class, right?

I'm sorry about your dad, and I'm sorry your knee is troubling you also. Prayers and healing thoughts for both of you. Do take care of yourself and do whatever you can to find some balance for yourself. We aren't in control, we have to just do what we can and let the rest go, ya know?

 

[JessicaR]

There is a definite connection between stress and pain and depression as well.

When you're under stress -- brief or lingering, mild or severe -- your body releases chemicals that change the way your brain senses pain. In some cases, stress actually eases pain. A strange sound in a dark alley can make you forget about your aching knee, a handy thing if you decide to run. But in other cases, the body's response to stress can fuel chronic pain that serves no purpose.

http://www2.vhi.ie/topic/stresspain

Stress and Chronic Pain
Excess emotional stress aggravates chronic pain.

http://pain.about.com/b/2008/07/23/stress-and-chronic-pain.htm

 

[C.Ann]

The two are definitely related.. My DD is suffering from injuries from a car accident in 2006 (which ultimately ended up with her losing her job of 13 years- among other things); she had 2 surgeries a few months apart; and is suffering from numerous other illnesses that have rendered her totally disabled now.. Two months ago she began a special type of therapy (can't remember the name of it right now, but has it's roots in Eastern medicine) and by relieving stress, it is helping a great deal with her pain.. She is also doing traditional physical therapy and of course is on all kinds of pain meds, anti-depressants, etc.. She's had steroid injections in her neck and back; she's had the nerves burned; - you name it - but in all honesty she seems to think that this stress therapy has been the most effective treatment to date..
She's even hopeful that someday she may be able to return to work - but it will have to be an entirely different line of work than her former job (too physical)..

 

[drakethib]

I am not a doctor but I can tell you in my case there have been times in my life where I was stressed out for long periods of times and my health sure suffered.

YMMV

 

[genius118899]

Definitely! I was recently diagnosed with moderate to severe depression, mostly because of stress. To make it worse, I've had cold symptoms for the past couple months- headache, nausea, etc. The psychologist said they're related.