What is the Link Between Stress and Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, irritable bowel syndrome and cognitive issues. As we discussed previously the exact causes of fibromyalgia remain unclear, researchers have been investigating various factors that may contribute to its development and worsening symptoms.
Before going into the connection between fibromyalgia and stress, it is important to understand the basics of fibromyalgia. It is believed to be a result from a combination of genetic, neurochemical, and environmental factors. People with fibromyalgia experience increased pain sensations due to abnormal processing of pain signals in the central nervous system. This heightened pain response can be triggered by various factors, among them are, physical trauma, infections, and psychological stress.
Stress can intensify fibromyalgia symptoms and trigger flare-ups.
One review from 2019 reviewed the psychological effect of fibromyalgia. Several studies in the review found that not only does fibromyalgia cause high levels of stress, but this stress can, in turn, cause physical and cognitive symptoms to worsen. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6386210/)
In another smaller study researchers studied the effect of mental stress on muscle activity and pain intensity in participants with fibromyalgia. The results of the study found that exposure to cognitive stress appeared to increase overall anxiety and pain levels in study participants. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7883576/) Both points can’t be found on https://www.healthline.com/health/fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia-and-stress#effects-of-stress
It has an impact on Central Nervous System: Stress activates the body's stress response system, leading to the release of stress hormones such as cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels can affect the central nervous system and alter pain perception, potentially intensifying fibromyalgia symptoms. (Buskila, D., & Sarzi-Puttini, P. (2006). Biology and therapy of fibromyalgia. Genetic aspects of fibromyalgia syndrome. Arthritis Research & Therapy)
Muscle Tension and Trigger Points: Stress often manifests physically, causing muscle tension and tightness. In fibromyalgia, increased muscle tension can contribute to the formation of trigger points—sensitive areas of muscle that can be painful when pressure is applied. Stress-induced muscle tension can thus worsen pain experienced by individuals with fibromyalgia. (Staud, R. (2011). Peripheral pain mechanisms in chronic widespread pain. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology)
Sleep Disturbances: Stress can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to poor sleep quality or insomnia. Since restorative sleep is crucial for managing fibromyalgia symptoms, any disruption in sleep can exacerbate pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues associated with the condition. (Moldofsky, H. (2001). Sleep, neuroimmune and neuroendocrine functions in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Advances in Neuroimmunology)
Emotional Well-being: Fibromyalgia is known to have a bidirectional relationship with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Stressful events and chronic stress can contribute to the development or worsening of these comorbid conditions, further impacting fibromyalgia symptomatology. ( Thieme, K., Turk, D. C., & Flor, H. (2004). Comorbid depression and anxiety in fibromyalgia syndrome: Relationship to somatic and psychosocial variables. Psychosomatic Medicine)
Recognizing the effects of stress helps in adopting coping strategies to help manage and reduce stress levels which can alleviate some of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.
Below are a few things worth considering:
Stress Reduction Techniques: Taking part in stress-reducing activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and tai chi can help manage your stress levels. These practices help to promote relaxation, decrease muscle tension, and improve overall well-being.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a therapeutic approach that helps you to identify and modify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It can help fibromyalgia patients in coping with stress, reducing pain, and developing healthier coping mechanisms. ( Bernardy, K., Klose, P., Busch, A. J., & Häuser, W. (2013). Cognitive behavioral therapies for fibromyalgia. Current Pharmaceutical Design)
Physical Activity: Regular exercise, tailored to individual abilities, can be beneficial for both stress reduction and fibromyalgia symptom management. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and gentle stretching can promote relaxation, enhance mood, and improve physical function. ( Busch, A. J., Webber, S. C., Richards, R. S., Bidonde, J., Schachter, C. L., Schafer, L. A., Danyliw, A. D., Sawant, A., Dal Bello-Haas, V., Rader, T., & Overend, T. J. (2013). Resistance exercise training for fibromyalgia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)
Support Networks: Building a strong support network of family, friends, or support groups can provide emotional support and understanding. Sharing experiences and seeking guidance from others facing similar challenges can help alleviate stress and improve overall well-being. ( Hauser, W., Klose, P., Langhorst, J., Moradi, B., Steinbach, M., Schiltenwolf, M., & Busch, A. (2010). Efficacy of different types of aerobic exercise in fibromyalgia syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Arthritis Research & Therapy)
Since the cause of Fibromyagia is still unknown stress has been as a crucial factor in the onset and exacerbation of symptoms. If we understanding the complicated connection between stress and fibromyalgia, those living with it can take proactive steps to manage stress levels and improve their quality of life.