Stress and Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a painful disorder which is not understood by many. Chronic pain which can be widespread throughout the body is often worsened by even a gentle touch. This debilitating illness causes problems with fatigue, sleep disorders, joint pain and stiffness. This disorder does not affect all people the same, so it is very difficult to diagnosis and treat.

Stress is a very common trait which leads to difficulties with fibromyalgia. It is even the trigger for fibromyalgia symptoms to show up in a person. Chronic or sudden stressors can lead to this disorder, as well as other illnesses or mental disorders. If you have already been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, stress can exasperate the conditions and worsen it to a degree. Stress can cause a bad day or it can bring on headaches which are a symptom of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia patients are reported to be more common in women who have led very active lifestyles and have very stressful lives. Since seventy to ninety per cent of us work outside the home, stress can take its toll on us as we make it through our day. Stress does seem to be the silent, unwanted partner in fibromyalgia. By controlling your level of stress, you can hopefully control the pain you experience in your body.

The muscle pain and overwhelming felling of being tired are seen in the emotional and physical abilities of one afflicted with fibromyalgia. Management of the pain comes with setting reasonable limits for yourself. It is possible but difficult to do for some. Finding a balance between work and rest is not always easy.