Research has also explored the relationship between ACEs and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other chronic inflammatory diseases. That research suggests that adults who experienced 2 or more traumatic events during childhood are at a 100% increased risk to develop rheumatic disease (Dube et al., 2009).
Stress also sets off the immune system's inflammatory response. Inflammation is what fuels joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and other inflammatory forms of the disease.
Our results suggest that trauma can indeed initiate RA. We have shown that physical injuries are capable of producing chronic synovitis in previously healthy joints, with such a process then persisting for an indefinite period of time.
Childhood traumatic stress increased the likelihood of hospitalization with a diagnosed autoimmune disease decades into adulthood. These findings are consistent with recent biological studies on the impact of early life stress on subsequent inflammatory responses.
This can affect your hormone levels and weaken your immune system. Studies show that stress can cause rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups. The stress takes a mental toll, too. The emotional effects of intense stress may make the chronic pain and other symptoms feel more difficult to manage.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which means it's caused by the immune system attacking healthy body tissue. However, it's not yet known what triggers this. Your immune system normally makes antibodies that attack bacteria and viruses, helping to fight infection.
Flare Types and Triggers
Overexertion, poor sleep, stress or an infection like the flu can all set off RA symptoms. With a predictable flare you'll temporarily feel worse, but your symptoms will resolve in time. Unpredictable flares have more uncertainty associated with them.
A history of trauma may increase the risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune conditions.
PTSD is co-morbid with autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), and psoriasis [7,8,9]. Notably, the risk of an autoimmune disorder is higher in individuals with PTSD, compared to individuals with other psychiatric disorders [8].
Background. Increasing evidence suggests a link between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and physical health. Stress disorders may lead to impairment of the immune system and subsequent autoimmune disease.
In a few people with RA -- about 5% to 10% -- the disease starts suddenly, and then they have no symptoms for many years, even decades. Symptoms that come and go. This happens to about 15% of people with rheumatoid arthritis. You may have periods of few or no problems that can last months between flare-ups.
What is post-traumatic arthritis? Post-traumatic arthritis is inflammation in your joints that forms after you've experienced a trauma. It develops quickly after an injury instead of over years of wear and tear like other forms of arthritis. It's usually a temporary issue, and many people recover in a few months.
RA mainly attacks the joints, usually many joints at once. RA commonly affects joints in the hands, wrists, and knees. In a joint with RA, the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, causing damage to joint tissue.
Too much stress can take a toll on anyone's health, but it's especially concerning if you have a chronic disease like arthritis. Stress causes an inflammatory response that can worsen pain and joint damage.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has many physical symptoms. But those living with RA may also experience mental health issues that may be related to the condition. Mental health refers to your emotional and psychological well-being.
There is considerable evidence that psychological stress can activate the inflammatory response.
Immune system changes in PTSD include altered glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity in target immune cells, shifts in immune cell distribution, immunosenescence, elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines and a decrease in regulatory T cells.
Autoimmune disease happens when the body's natural defense system can't tell the difference between your own cells and foreign cells, causing the body to mistakenly attack normal cells. There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases that affect a wide range of body parts.
What environmental triggers are associated with autoimmune diseases? In people with a genetic predisposition (where their genes put them at risk), certain environmental exposures can trigger autoimmune disease. These include toxins, infections, diet, and more.
Psychological stress is reported to be a risk factor for autoimmune diseases, including Graves' disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
Comparing more than 106,000 people who had stress disorders with more than 1 million people without them, researchers found that stress was tied to a 36 percent greater risk of developing 41 autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease and celiac disease.
While there is no permanent cure for rheumatoid arthritis, physical therapy, including stretching, exercise, and compression, can help manage symptoms. Doctors often recommend these remedies alongside medications.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a lifelong disease. When it's treated, it may go away for a little while, but it usually comes back. It's important to see your doctor as soon as symptoms begin. The earlier you start treatment, the better your outcome.