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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Pamplico, SC

Does anyone else have joint pain along with trigger point pain? My pain management counselor told me today that fibromyalgia was really emotional pain expressing itself as physical pain - caused by stress that is not released . How do you feel about this statement?

July 19, 2017
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Answer Summary

Members strongly pushed back against the idea that fibromyalgia is simply emotional pain, with many expressing how devastating and harmful it... Read more

Members strongly pushed back against the idea that fibromyalgia is simply emotional pain, with many expressing how devastating and harmful it is to have their very real physical suffering dismissed as psychological or all in their heads. Several members explained the actual connection between stress and fibromyalgia, noting that while emotional or physical stress can trigger flares and activate the sympathetic nervous system, the condition itself is neurological and involves the brain, spinal cord, and pain receptors rather than being purely psychological. A recurring theme was the validation of their lived experience, with members sharing practical relief strategies like meditation, yoga, muscle relaxation, EFT tapping, and maintaining a positive attitude while firmly rejecting any suggestion that their chronic pain is not real or legitimate.

A MyFibroTeam Member

I was told it's neurological but stress is a trigger to cause pain receptors to go even more into overdrive! It's brain and spinal cord. Not all in your head.

July 20, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

I agree that some emotions enhance the pain. And I agree that the emotional problems have a deep impact on why we get fibro. Try EFT tapping to help release those emotions. Nick and Jessica Ortner are who I use but there are many others on YouTube.

July 23, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

Lets hope they get fibromyalgia then tell people its emotional. How stupid

July 20, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

I think so. I know when I hurt, I can do muscle relaxation exercises and the pain dies down right away. I do "guided meditation" (lots of it on YouTube) and pain goes away until my next stressor

July 19, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

Well sort of - current research has found that long term activation ( or a few major ones) of the sympathetic nervous system is the cause of fibro - sort of like when the stress bucket is full it locks onto the arousal and being unable to shut off you get mental, emotional and physical symptoms.

Emotions can light the sympathetic system on fire...so yes....in part!

July 19, 2017

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