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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by partlycloudy on August 10, 2004, at 7:48:27
What's this called again? When I get a long-term worry going (right now getting ready to go on a little vacation and I'm freaking out in my usual way), I quite often get an ache in my back or my hip. I *know* it's not a physical problem in that I didn't wrench anything to make it hurt, and I know that when my worrying stops, so will the pain.
Is it just telegraphing from my psyche to my muscles?
Posted by starlight on August 10, 2004, at 11:29:30
In reply to I worry so much my body hurts, posted by partlycloudy on August 10, 2004, at 7:48:27
Yep. It's keeping the stress inside and the body will fight back through pain. When ever I've gone through super stressful events I tend to get sick. Either I'll get a cold or my back will hurt. It's your mind trying to get you to slow down and release the worry.
starlight
Posted by Racer on August 10, 2004, at 11:46:16
In reply to I worry so much my body hurts, posted by partlycloudy on August 10, 2004, at 7:48:27
First of all, when you're worrying, you set off a physical stress response, which impairs your immune function, so you'll be more susceptible to other health problems. Great news, huh? It's like some horrible cosmic joke, but there it is. On top of that, you probably do have an element of transferring your mental discomfort into physical discomfort. Where does the physical end and the psychological begin? Probably doesn't matter.
Best I can suggest is doing your best to eat as well as you can, remember to exercise, think about relaxing if you can do it without stressing about it. (heheheh, you'd never guess that last one was a problem for me, huh? Can you imagine trying to *force* yourself to relax? The effort it takes? And you know? It doesn't help me much, either...)
I'm sure there's also a physical connection between the stress system, the immune system, and the pain system, but that's beyond me. As for the name, is it somatization? What you're describing only fits to a degree -- like the people who feel down for a day or two and say they're depressed. The pain-while-stressed is as real as the pain-when-injured, so it's not really a psychological disorder -- just a partially psychological phenomenon.
I hope you feel better soon. Hot baths? Nubile spa boys to rub warm oil into your glistening flanks and peel some grapes? Have a great vacation, and tell us all about it.
Posted by partlycloudy on August 10, 2004, at 12:38:59
In reply to Compound problem » partlycloudy, posted by Racer on August 10, 2004, at 11:46:16
>Nubile spa boys to rub warm oil into your glistening flanks and peel some grapes?
I had a job that stressed me out so badly that both hips stopped functioning. When I couldn't get out of the car, I knew it was time to bail. (I ended up getting fired, but only because I didn't quit fast enough.)
I've always seen the connection between being under stress and the physical pains I get at the same time. It's just unfair that you feel like poop in the first place, and then your body breaks down, too.
Thanks....
Posted by JenStar on August 11, 2004, at 2:08:30
In reply to I worry so much my body hurts, posted by partlycloudy on August 10, 2004, at 7:48:27
I am not sure what it's called, but I call it 'horrible.' I get/do this too! (physical symptoms in rxn to stress.) I hate it.
I'm sorry you're going thru this. I hope it gets better soon.
I think back and hip pain could be caused by stress because your muscles are tenser and have 'seized up'; this can put a chain-reaction of tension stess all along your body from feet --> knees --> hips --> back. Would a massage work to help relax you? (Maybe hubby could oblige!)
Good luck. Hope it goes away.
JenStar
Posted by Jai Narayan on August 14, 2004, at 8:21:36
In reply to I worry so much my body hurts, posted by partlycloudy on August 10, 2004, at 7:48:27
Have you heard of cortisol? Some of us store stress in our bodies others in the brain...
there is a product that help with stress that is produced by cortisol.
New Chapter Holy Basil. It supports normal cortisol, blood sugar, and insulin metabolism.
If you know the pain is related to your stress then maybe this might help.
just a thought.
good luck with your trip.
I am always tense about traveling.
Posted by partlycloudy on August 22, 2004, at 8:37:03
In reply to Re: I worry so much my body hurts, posted by Jai Narayan on August 14, 2004, at 8:21:36
When we arrived at our hotel in London, my husband insisted I check in at the spa for a massage. He even went with me to book it, because I kept on saying it was too much money to spend.
It was the best thing I could have done. Relaxing, soothing, pampering, it helped to erase all the worries that had transmuted into my muscles. Sheer bliss.
Posted by Jai Narayan on August 22, 2004, at 16:49:19
In reply to Re: I worry so much my body hurts, posted by partlycloudy on August 22, 2004, at 8:37:03
That sounds so wonderful. I am so glad you did what your hubby suggested.
I love getting massaged and pampered. Facials are wonderful too.
Have fun sweet partlycloudy you deserve it.
keep us posted.
Posted by Beatrix34 on August 25, 2004, at 14:49:31
In reply to spa for a massage, posted by Jai Narayan on August 22, 2004, at 16:49:19
Sounds like it could be fibromialgia (sp?)...you might want to look into the symptoms of this. It is also triggered by stress...
Posted by partlycloudy on August 28, 2004, at 14:50:21
In reply to Re: spa for a massage, posted by Beatrix34 on August 25, 2004, at 14:49:31
I don't know anything about that condition, and I guess I'm afraid to ask. At the moment, I can definitely say that while in a longish-term stressful situation (like being unhappy at work), my body responds with a very precise pain that does not respond to analgesics or anti-inflamatories at all. Massage helps at the time, but true relief only comes when the stress has been resolved.
The best tale I have is when I worked in a sweatshop dental laboratory and my hips hurt so bad I couldn't get out of my car without help. Now THAT was a message I should has listened to (got fired for insubordination instead!!).
Posted by sexylexy on August 29, 2004, at 19:04:24
In reply to spa for a massage, posted by Jai Narayan on August 22, 2004, at 16:49:19
Hi There~
I hope you enjoy your spa day. I can tell you that a good massage can give you some relife from anxiety. You feel so relaxed and wonderful. Your thoughts slow down and feel so normal...WONDERFUL...if I had lots of money I would have them each week however, I get one every two months...got a raise hoping to go once a month!!!
Have the greatest time!
Lexy
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