The Role Of Stress In Chronic Pain: 3 Ways To Deal With It

Stress is a common trigger for chronic pain. In fact, studies have shown that stress can magnify pain signals by up to 15%. This means that if you’re struggling with chronic pain, learning how to manage stress is essential. Dr Brian Blick, the Chief of Anesthesia at Great Plains Regional Medical Center, says that stress is “the body’s response to any demand placed upon it.” He further says that It is possible to deal with stress in three different ways.
How Does Stress Impact Chronic Pain?
Chronic stress can have a negative impact on every system in your body—including your musculoskeletal system. When you’re constantly under stress, your body never gets a chance to recover from the wear and tear of everyday life. This can lead to inflammation and increased sensitivity to pain. In addition, chronic stress can also disrupt sleep—which is essential for pain management.
3 Ways To Deal With Stress:
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for dealing with stress, there are some general strategies that can help. Here are three things you can do to manage stress and ease chronic pain:
1. Get Regular Exercise:
Exercise releases endorphins—chemicals that block pain signals from the brain—and helps reduce anxiety and depression. Even moderate exercise like walking or swimming can make a big difference. Just be sure to check with Dr Brian Blick before starting any new exercise routine.
2. Practice Relaxation Techniques:
Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help ease both physical and emotional discomfort. Taking some time out of your day to focus on your breath can help center yourself and reduce pain levels.
3. Connect With Loved Ones:
Isolation can increase feelings of anxiety and depression—both of which can make the pain worse. Staying connected with loved ones through phone calls, text messages, or video chats can help reduce feelings of loneliness and improve your overall mood.
Conclusion:
This is it! I hope this post has helped you understand the role of stress in chronic pain and how to deal with it. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so find what works best for you and stick with it.