Stress Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis – Proven

It has been reportedly said by many patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis that sudden episodes of trauma or stress preceded the commencement of the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It is said that the pain tends to get more intense and the flares are greater than usual. While it is almost impossible to measure the degree of stress, some researchers however, have given clues that certain stressful events, like the death of someone, accidents, failures, rejections, loss of job and emotional set backs often leads to stress. These symptoms tend to manifest greatly in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and also aggravate the conditions.

But is there any such concrete evidence to prove that stress causes rheumatoid arthritis? Can stress actually aggravate the condition of a rheumatoid arthritic patient?

Well, if you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, it would be both important as well as interesting for you to learn if your disease is triggered or further worsened by stress. In either ways, it would be good for you know that yes, it does. Stress can actually make all that difference to the pain and suffering you experience with rheumatoid arthritis. Also, you should know how to eliminate such stressful situations or instances from your life as early as possible. Stress, however, is very difficult to eliminate, but can be well manipulated or managed. Dr. Scott Zashin, MD, has narrated his perspective with respect to stress and rheumatoid arthritis; the effects of stress on rheumatoid arthritis, to be more precise.

According to Dr. Zashin, "There is no question that being afflicted with a chronic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause increased stress, but can stress be a trigger for developing rheumatoid arthritis or another rheumatic disease -- and can stress increase the likelihood of exacerbation of these conditions?”

Dr. Zashin further continues, "According to Laurence Bradley, PhD, and Nancy McKendree-Smith, PhD, in the Primer of Rheumatic Diseases. Major-life events are actually associated with short-term decreases in the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (perhaps because the patient is distracted and is not focusing on their symptoms). Yet, a major stress will tend to increase the likelihood of what they describe as "daily hassles" -- negative events associated with an alteration of the immune system and exacerbation of symptoms."

This clearly states that stress actually causes rheumatoid arthritis flares, or can be considered as one of the potential factors that could lead to the flare-ups in many patients from rheumatoid arthritis. So it would be wise to keep away from stressful situations to avoid rheumatoid arthritis flare ups.

"In other words, scientific evidence appears to confirm that stress can lead to flare-ups in patients with rheumatic diseases," says Dr. Zashin. "The role of stress as a cause of these rheumatic conditions is unclear at this time. While stress may be related to the development of rheumatoid arthritis, research in this area is not definitive."

A person can be stressed due to various factors, and incase of rheumatoid arthritic patients, the disease itself can be one of the potential cause of stress. But, you need not be stressed as the disease can actually be cured with the help of drugs and medications and a bit of co-operation from the end of the patient concerned. If the patient can prevent stress from affecting him/her the healing process would speedup.

Summary:

Stress has become an inevitable art of our life and is also one of the few common causes of many health complications. Stress can actually trigger the intensity of pain in rheumatoid arthritis, thus making situations worse for us. It can be controlled however, through meditation and other healing techniques.