Stress cause of pain?

[Liz]

I have had a problem with pain and various other symptoms for the past two years.  My symptoms include muscle pain/soreness/stifness, muscle twitching and burning (primarily in legs and arms but can be anywhere at any time), numbness and in arms and legs (worse on left side) pricking/stinging sensations.  These symptoms are all over and different every day.  My sleep patterns are somewhat irregular.  With regular exercise I sleep better.  I exercise 3-5 times per week at a gym.  It dosen't seem to make a great deal of difference with my symptoms, except that I sleep better.  And I usually feel better in the morning than at night.



I have have a complete Neurological workup (2 years ago and a recent one) including MRIs and EMGs.  Allergy tesing, Rheumatological workup, HIV test, Lyme tests......all normal.



Doctors tell me it's Fibromyalgia or could be stress.  I have tried Elavil (in a 30mg. per night dose) and now Celebrex (anti-inflam.).  Elavil helped somewhat.



Could this be stress?  So far, they can find absolutely nothing wrong with me in 2 years.  I tend to internalize things, but could that cause this?!  I live a normal life except for that fact that this is always there in some way shape for form.



If you can, please help.  And I'm not crazy about taking medications as I am 32 years old and have not yet had children.  Not want to mess with my system too much at this point!  I am also female.



Thanks very much!

[HFHS.MD-AJ]

Liz,



It must be frustrating to suffer from the various symptoms you describe, without any physical cause being identified despite extensive medical tests.



Pain and stiffness of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, in different parts of the body may characterize Fibromyalgia. It is more common in women than men. The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown: however it is often precipitated by stress that causes localized spasms of arteries, which interferes with circulation of oxygen in the affected areas, causing pain. The pain may in turn cause fatigue, sleep disturbance, and anxiety. Pain complaints as a sole manifestation of stress would however be unlikely.



There are no specific laboratory findings specific to fibromyalgia, and it is often diagnosed only after other medical causes (such as rheumatic disease, multiple sclerosis, or hypothyroidism) have been excluded.



Relaxation exercises, massaging the areas of tenderness, and analgesics (such as aspirin and acetaminophen) are often helpful. Antidepressants and psychotherapy to identify and deal with psychosocial stresses may also be helpful. I urge you to discuss further with your treating physician.

[Maureen T]

Sounds like fibromyalgia to me, take it from one who knows. I was dx'd just over three years ago and you seem to have al lthe classic symptoms.

Something that was helped me immeasurably in the past when all other meds did nothing, was Coenzyme Q-10. My last pain doc recommended I try it and it was amazing! Start out with 30mg once a day and if you dont get relief in a week or so, increase to 60 mg...dont start out fast or youll get sick. You can find it at the grocery store with the vitamins and herbals, or in a health food store. It made me almost pain-free in a week. Prob is, I developed a tolerance for it and it didn't work any more, so I had to stop for a while, but I'm getting ready to start again. It was the ONLY thihg that gave me significant relief.

[Maureen T...I forgot...]

stress is a MAJOR factor in fibro...the doc who dx'd me said "fibromyalgia is the Tv and stress is the volume knob"...and it's so true

[Liz]

Thanks for the advice Maureen!  I'll give that a try.  I hear so many different things from so many people.  I'm trying some physical therapy (mostly stretching) right now too and it's nothing I can't do at home in addition to my workouts.  The PTs have been telling me that they feel Fibro. is the diagnosis of choice today when they can't figure out what's wrong with you.  I wish I knew who to believe!



One question for you......did your doc say that stress can cause Fibro, bring it on I mean, or just aggrivate it when you have it?  



Thanks so much for your thoughts.

[lisa]

I, too, have had a number of unexplained and undiagnosed symptoms over the last year.  Have you tried any alternative/holistic pracitioners?  Things like chiropractic, massage, herbs, acupuncture, etc.  I have had some success with these kinds of pracitioners and I believe these kinds of treatments can be helpful and tend to be easy to do.  You might also consider seeing a therapist to help deal with internalizing things and stress.  Both of these things can make you feel terrible physically. Good luck.