A neurologist spoke about the connection between stress and joint pain

The MK press center hosted a live broadcast dedicated to diseases of the nervous system. The chief physician of the Open Clinic on Mira Avenue, Dmitry Afonin, said that, in addition to psycho-emotional symptoms (anxiety, decreased performance, sleep disturbance), stress also has physical manifestations.

Most often they are expressed in exacerbation of chronic diseases and pain disorders. “Often pain in the spine is caused by emotional stress, and often, against the background of severe stress, a hernia of the spine worsens. I had a patient who had one exacerbation of hernia after another, despite the fact that she underwent treatment and followed all the recommendations. By chance in a conversation she mentioned that before each exacerbation I experienced emotional stress,” said Dr. Afonin.

Against the background of stress, joint diseases also worsen. Stress turns on defense mechanisms, and the joints and spine tighten to protect vital organs. This can lead to long-term exacerbation of osteochondrosis, arthrosis, the development of tunnel syndrome, numbness in the limbs and pain. If numbness in the limbs lasts up to an hour, this is normal; if it lasts for several days, you need to see a doctor to rule out diabetes mellitus and toxic lesions, the doctor says.