Tender Is the Night

The Impact Of Stress On Chronic Pain: What Experts Say

• No Comments
• Gala , Nihar

Experts say that stress can have a significant impact on chronic pain. It can worsen the pain, make it harder to manage, and lead to other health problems.
Dr. Nihar Gala has been professionally involved in chronic pain management, addiction medicine, and pain management for four years now and shows excellent expertise in all three fields.
Worsening Of Pain
One of the ways that stress can impact chronic pain is by worsening the pain. This can happen in a few ways. First, when someone is stressed, their body releases cortisol. This hormone can make the pain worse. Additionally, stress can lead to tension headaches, muscle tension, and joint pain. All of these things can make the pain worse.
Difficulty Managing Pain
Another way that stress can impact chronic pain is by making it harder to manage the pain. When someone is stressed, they may find it harder to focus on their treatment plan or to stick to their medications. They may also be less likely to engage in healthy activities that can help reduce the pain.
Other Health Problems
Stress can also lead to other health problems that can impact chronic pain. For example, people who are stressed are more likely to smoke or drink alcohol. These behaviors can worsen chronic pain and lead to other health problems. Additionally, stress can increase a person’s risk for mental health problems like anxiety and depression. These mental health problems can also worsen chronic pain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, experts say that stress can have a significant impact on chronic pain. It can worsen the pain, make it harder to manage, and lead to other health issues. If you are struggling with chronic pain, it is important to find ways to manage your stress levels as well. There are many different strategies that you can try, including relaxation techniques, exercise, and counseling.