Can stress make PN symptoms worse?

[mom]

I was wonderng can being nervous or being in a stressful situation cause PN symptoms( specifically neuropathic itch) to be worse or more intensified?
MOM

[calluna]

Yes, definitely. Being either physically or mentally stressed can make all the physical symptoms more intense.

[scaredgal]

Abso-freaking-lutely! I have an very high stress job and I notice that I am measureably better on the weekend. For me, at least, mental stress makes it worse than physical. Actually, depending on what I'm doing physically, it can make it better.

[nyt]

It sure can! Any mental, emotional, physical stress can make symptoms worse. That is why they recommend stress management techniques for individuals with chronic pain. It is really good for all of us in general but esp. good for chronic pain individuals.

[Violet M]

I was wonderng can being nervous or being in a stressful situation cause PN symptoms( specifically neuropathic itch) to be worse or more intensified?
MOM

I actually had less problems with neuropathic itch if I was in a stressful situation because it took my mind off of it more and I think stress can sometimes over-ride other signals being sent to the brain. But after a stressful situation I think symptoms were worse because stress inevitably makes your muscles (including your pelvic floor muscles) tense up more.

[Amanda]

Stress is definitely one thing that causes a great increase in my PN pain and increases the other symptoms like electrical shocks etc; as Violet has said this is probably due to the tensing of muscles which put more pressure on an already irritated nervous system.
I also find that after a stressful period of time, that it takes me a few days to get things to calm down again even with lots of rest and medication and ice.

[mom]

Thank you so much for the replies!
My daughter who is 7, I beleive has PN. She has severe clitoral itch. Some days it is worse ( i am associating to the weather) but then there are times when I can see she is uncomforatble ( out in public, at church, around other kids who might be starring) her itch also seems to get more intense.
It is hard for her to tell me exactly what is going on as she is 7 but It would appear to me that being "stressed" was making her itch worse.

Thanks again
MOM

[wendy7]

Hi Mom,

Stress can definitely tense up muscles and if the muscles are tense, they can go into spasm. When the body is relaxed it can help with the symptoms. If your daughter is stressed (which I can't imagine she wouldn't be with all that itching), I am wondering if some sort of relaxation therapy would be of help to her?

Take care,
Wendy

[Charlie]

I actually had less problems with neuropathic itch if I was in a stressful situation because it took my mind off of it more and I think stress can sometimes over-ride other signals being sent to the brain. .

I would agree with the above statement. I think distraction can help chronic pain.

As regards stress I think it can make people feel the pain is worse. However there is no clinical evidence that stress creates pudendal pain.

[pianogal]

stress increases pain, distraction reduces it. praise God you keep searching and caring for your little daughter so passionately. you are her hero and God will help you both!