Do you feel like you’re constantly under pressure at work?
Do deadlines and demands from your boss leave you feeling frazzled?
If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world experience stress in the workplace. This stress can lead to fibromyalgia becoming more of an issue for some.
In this blog post, we will discuss fibromyalgia and how work stress can lead to it becoming a large health issue. We’ll also offer tips on managing stress and keeping it from impacting your health.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness in the body. People diagnosed with fibromyalgia are much more sensitive to pain, which is also referred to as “abnormal pain perception processing.”
The condition affects around 4% of all U.S. adults and 2% of the U.S.entire population.
While the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, a study has shown a few different results and given scientists more insight into what could be a few potential causes of fibromyalgia.
These include:
- Emotional trauma
- Stress
- Having a family member with the condition
- Suffering from another chronic pain condition
- Obesity problems
It is thought that the result of these shifts in health causes the brain and spinal cord to process pain signals differently.
What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms include:
Tender Points
People with fibromyalgia often experience tender points. These are specific areas of the body that are painful when touched or moved.
It is most common for tender points to show up on the:
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Back
- Hips
- Shins
- Elbows
The pain is often described as a deep aching or throbbing sensation.
Fatigue
The fatigue fibromyalgia causes can be so severe that it interferes with a person’s ability to function in their daily lives.
People with fibromyalgia often find it difficult to concentrate, have memory problems, and feel overwhelmed by simple tasks because of the feeling of fatigue.
Sleep Issues
Sleep is often disrupted in people with fibromyalgia. It can be hard to fall asleep and stay asleep because of the constant feeling of pain.
This can lead to the feeling of fatigue mentioned above.
Headaches
People with fibromyalgia often experience headaches. These can be either tension headaches or migraines.
These headaches can last hours or days, leaving the person suffering from even more pain and discomfort.
How Work Stress Can Cause Fibromyalgia
While the causes of fibromyalgia are still unknown, it is thought that work stress can play a role in the development of the condition.
A study conducted found that people who experience high levels of work-related stress are more likely to develop fibromyalgia.
These stresses included:
- Workplace-related bullying
- Large and overwhelming workloads
- Low workplace power or little to no voice in your company decisions
All of these were found to be work-related stressors that can lead to the development of fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia Affects Mental Health as Much as Physical Health
It’s not just physical pain that fibromyalgia sufferers have to deal with. The condition also takes a toll on mental health.
Not only does fibromyalgia cause physical pain, but it can also lead to:
Anxiety
Dealing with anxiety on top of fibromyalgia can be extremely difficult.
The chronic pain leads to many people with fibromyalgia feeling anxious about meeting new people or even just leaving their house.
Depression
Depression is common in people who suffer from fibromyalgia. The constant pain, fatigue, and sleep problems can make it hard to enjoy life and find happiness.
This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and make it hard to get out of bed in the morning or do anything you enjoy.
Memory Issues
The fatigue fibromyalgia causes can lead to problems with memory and concentration. This can make it hard to work or even just have a conversation with someone.
You may find yourself forgetting things or having a hard time focusing on what people are saying.
Ways To Reduce Work Stress and Fibromyalgia Symptoms
If you are suffering from fibromyalgia or looking to reduce the potential of developing fibromyalgia, there are some things you can do to reduce work stress.
Talk to Your Boss
If you feel like you’re being overloaded at work or treated unfairly, talk to your boss.
It’s important to communicate with them about what is causing you stress and see if any changes can be made.
Take Breaks
When you’re feeling overwhelmed at work, take a few minutes to yourself to clear your head.
Step away from your desk, take a walk, or take deep breaths. It’s important to take breaks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Staying Active and Get Regular Exercise
Exercise is important for fibromyalgia sufferers. It can help reduce pain, improve sleep, and increase energy levels.
Try to find an exercise routine that works for you and stick to it.
Eat a Healthy Diet
What you eat can affect fibromyalgia. Eating a healthy diet can help reduce pain, increase energy levels, and improve sleep.
Some foods that are good for fibromyalgia sufferers include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Magnesium
- Vitamin D
Limit Alcohol Intake
Drinking alcohol can make fibromyalgia symptoms worse. It can lead to dehydration, which can increase pain and fatigue.
It’s important to limit your alcohol intake if you suffer from fibromyalgia.
Genesis Ketamine Centers Can Help You Battle Fibromyalgia
At Genesis Ketamine Centers, we understand the challenges fibromyalgia sufferers face. We offer a variety of treatments that can help reduce pain, improve sleep, and increase energy levels.
Our team works with you or your loved one to create a custom treatment plan for each patient focused on combining therapy with the powerful effects of ketamine treatment, helping patients overcome the challenges associated with fibromyalgia.
Not only can ketamine treatments help reduce the physical pain caused by fibromyalgia, but many mental health issues like depression can also be alleviated. If you or a loved one is suffering from fibromyalgia, we encourage you to reach out to us today.
Genesis Ketamine Centers offers free initial consultations to discuss your unique situation and create the right treatment plan for you. It’s time to fight back against fibromyalgia pain, and Genesis Ketamine Centers can help.