Stress and chronic pain
Unfortunately, a chronic pain condition can contribute to inducing a chronic stress condition. This is because pain in itself is a stressor that can lead to a constantly activated stress response. As there is no way to fight or flight from the pain, this can lead to a vicious cycle where pain causes stress and stress increases pain.
Many patients with chronic pain try to maintain a high level of daily activity to distract themselves from the pain, and this can in itself become stressful. Still, it is good to be engaged in something that interests and motivates you.
Demands and resources
To avoid stress, it is important to find a balance between the demands you make on yourself (or on others) and the resources you have available. Thus, there is an increased risk of developing stress when suffering from chronic pain, and both physical and psychological methods of stress management can be useful to learn to prevent and reduce stress.
