Stress and Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disease that is recognized for the extreme pain that spreads to all parts of the body, such as the upper and lower back, the neck and shoulders. A person with this disease may also experience nerve discomfort, tingling, fatigue and muscle spasms. Stress is a factor that can worsen these symptoms.

This painful disease is not easily diagnosed because it does not show up on x-rays or in blood work. Doctors diagnose this disease by asking where on the body the worst pain is and asking the patient about their history of having pain lasting more than three months.

It is important to realize that noise, physical and psychological stress can affect the individual suffering from Fibromyalgia. Noise alone can bother and increase the symptoms. Stress from bright lights can cause headaches and certain odors can cause headaches or stomach problem in Fibromyalgia sufferers.

Physical stress such as a person exercising or overexerting themselves in their daily life can cause pain to worsen. With this type of stress, it can take a toll on the muscles more than a person without this disease, causing him or her extreme pain.

Psychological stress can arise in a person that is subject to a heavy workload. Stress causes problems for Fibromyalgia suffers more so than it would with a disease free person. Activities such as walking, laughing, meditation, acupuncture, hobbies, music and social events can help reduce and relieve stress. Find out more on the Internet in regards to stress reduction techniques.

Fibromyalgia tends to run in families and women in those families are seven times more likely to get it than men. One out of 50 people get this disease and it affects about 3.7 million people ages 18 and older in the United States.