Stress and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Have you noticed that when you are stressed your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms seems to worsen?  I certainly have.  With the economy in the state that it is in there is no doubt that a great many people are dealing with increased stress in their lives these days.  If you have rheumatoid arthritis you might want to try to find a constructive way to handle your stress.  Research has shown that stress plays an important role in the inflammation that causes pain in rheumatoid arthritis.  Molecules called cytokines are released in the body when we are stressed.  These cytokines contribute to inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis which results in more pain and stiffness.

According to Webster’s dictionary stress is defined as “a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation”.  Research suggests that there is a close relationship between stress and the onset and sustainment of disease with people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Some research indicates that stress can change the activity of lymphocytes (B cells) and macrophages and  stress could suppress T-cells in RA  leading to more active disease. .

Sometimes  when the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis worsen, that can cause more stress which leads to worsening symptoms which in turn can cause more stress. Pain can also increase your stress level.  Make sure you discuss with your rheumatologist your pain level so that it can be controlled.

Life in general in filled with stress.  How you handle your stress is critical in managing your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.  Here are some of the methods that I use that help me deal with the stresses of my daily life.

• Meditation: 10 minute in the morning helps me to prepare for the day and 10 minutes at night helps me to wind down and let go of the days activities
• Yoga: Yoga helps me to stay in touch with my body, to center my mind and feel connected to both
• Exercise: Exercise can be difficult especially when you are in the middle of a flare.  Listen to your body and what you are able to do and check with your doctor before starting any exercise routine
• Journaling: Sometimes just getting your thoughts on paper can help you to work through whatever issues you may be having that are causing stress
• Laughing:  Laughter causes the pituitary gland in the brain to release pain suppressing compounds.

The same way that stress can adversely effect the level of pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis, positively dealing with stress can improve the symptoms of the disease.  Try to find a stress relieving method that best suits you.  Ultimately you know what works for you and what doesn’t.  Eliminate what doesn’t work and focus on what does.