By Learn more about Chronic Stress because the last thing that those with chronic pain want is to be more sensitive to the pain they are experiencing. However, if they also tend to experience chronic stress, there’s a good chance that is exactly what is happening. Research is pointing to the idea that chronic stress has influence over one’s pain sensitivity. This is important information for anyone who experiences chronic stress or chronic pain, as well as for those who help plan chronic pain management programs.
The Study Conducted By Researchers
In the March 2019 issue of the journal Experimental Neurology, researchers shared their findings from a study that was conducted to see what type of impact chronic pain has on pain sensitivity. Using mice and in vivo multichannel recording, they found that chronic forced swim stress could increase pain sensitivity. They found that when there was an increase in chronic stress, there was increased activity of the rACC neuronal population.
There have been numerous other studies that have also pointed out the idea that chronic stress has a negative impact on pain. The December 2014 issue of the journal Physical Therapy, reports that prolonged or exaggerated stress responses may perpetuate cortisol dysfunction, widespread inflammation, and pain. Yet another study in the December 2015 issue of The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences, reports that stress modulates pain perception.
The good news is that we can use this information to help make some positive changes. Everyone has stress and we may not be able to do something to eliminate it altogether. However, we can modify how we think about stressful situations. We can strive to not get stressed out over so many things and so often. We can also take measures to help reduce the stress we feel in our life.
It’s important to do something on a regular basis to help manage stress. Every pain management program should include stress-reducing activities.
There are many to choose from, so there is something that everyone can engage in and enjoy.
Options to choose from are:
- getting regular exercise
- eating a healthy diet
- engaging in yoga or meditation
- getting proper sleep
- finding hobbies
- social circles that are enjoyable.
Taking steps to help manage stress may help people experience less chronic pain, and be less sensitive to the pain they do experience.
Sources:
- Experimental Neurology. Chronic stress increases pain sensitivity via activation of the rACC-BLA pathway in rats. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30586593https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30586593
- Physical Therapy. Chronic stress, cortisol dysfunction, and pain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4263906/
- The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences. Pain in times of stress. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4795524/
