strong muscle pain associated with 'reading'

[invictus221]

Hi everyone,

I have this 'reading problem’ which started when I was 17 year old (11 years ago). In addition, I suffer from OCD, social and generalized anxiety disorders. This ‘reading problem’ started after I suffered a strong psychological shock/ panic attack thinking I have developed 'stress'. Back then, I assumed 'stress' to be serious/debilitating problem which couldn’t be treated unless you see a psychologist. And that was a very scare thing meaning I have developed a serious problem. I was very much shocked that I couldn’t keep myself calm. I started to think and act in a desperate manner. I developed symptoms like, a faster speech and reading speed, whole body shaking, and difficulty performing simple mathematical operations, difficulty pronouncing and spelling some words as well as muscular pain in my calf. Shortly, all the symptoms I mentioned diminished except for the reading problem, muscular pain and speech difficulty which is noticeable when I speak loudly or angrily. I find it hard to explain exactly what happens to me with this ‘reading problem’. When I read, I feel being forced unwillingly to proceed to the next word before I properly read the previous word. I feel lack of coordination between my eyes and mouth or that I am not giving a particular word the time it needs to be read properly. I don’t have the feeling/urge to stop or take a break for the punctuations marks like normal readers do. My heart beat also increases while my breathing rhythm changes. If I try to control things and read smoothly, I start to have muscular tension and pain in my calf. The more I try to fix my reading the harder gets the pain. I also experience similar pain as I try to concentrate and think harder on mathematical problems. It is beyond my control and it has exhausted me out. Reading  has become a painful, frustrating and exhausting exprience.

I am very much exhausted with my problems and desperately need your help. I am grateful for your time and opinions.

                                                                                                                                                      regards,
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                   invictus221

[mjsk2z]

I'm not being funny when I say you need prayer. You've stressed you self out to your body's limit and now it is shutting down on you. You cannot relax because your brain has tricked you into thinking you can't. The muscule pain is associated with you lifestyle. Wherever a person experiences fear, stress, panic, or severe anger, toxins are released into the body. These toxins can cause muscle, joint and organ damage. Because you "cannot" relax, you need an alternate fix. Try praying, meditating.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
The reading difficulties you are having have an element of panic disorder in them. I am afraid this is not something you can do on your own. You will need to consult a counselor. Take up yoga, deep breathing exercise, walking and remain strong and determined in your effort to do away with this habit. Music and aerobics are also good stress busters. Drink plenty of fluids and water (not caffeine), eat fresh fruits and vegetables and keep yourself busy throughout the day.
The other method is to go for cognitive behavioral therapy. This helps you to analyze the cause of your anxiety and teaches you to alter your thinking process. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is another option that helps of unconscious mental conflicts raging in you.
You need to discuss this with your doctor and get help from a psychiatrist or a psychologist to overcome anxiety.
Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!