Posted by Racer on August 10, 2004, at 11:46:16
In reply to I worry so much my body hurts, posted by partlycloudy on August 10, 2004, at 7:48:27
First of all, when you're worrying, you set off a physical stress response, which impairs your immune function, so you'll be more susceptible to other health problems. Great news, huh? It's like some horrible cosmic joke, but there it is. On top of that, you probably do have an element of transferring your mental discomfort into physical discomfort. Where does the physical end and the psychological begin? Probably doesn't matter.
Best I can suggest is doing your best to eat as well as you can, remember to exercise, think about relaxing if you can do it without stressing about it. (heheheh, you'd never guess that last one was a problem for me, huh? Can you imagine trying to *force* yourself to relax? The effort it takes? And you know? It doesn't help me much, either...)
I'm sure there's also a physical connection between the stress system, the immune system, and the pain system, but that's beyond me. As for the name, is it somatization? What you're describing only fits to a degree -- like the people who feel down for a day or two and say they're depressed. The pain-while-stressed is as real as the pain-when-injured, so it's not really a psychological disorder -- just a partially psychological phenomenon.
I hope you feel better soon. Hot baths? Nubile spa boys to rub warm oil into your glistening flanks and peel some grapes? Have a great vacation, and tell us all about it.
poster:Racer
thread:375924
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20040729/msgs/376019.html