Therapies are being investigated that may improve arthritis by interrupting the connection between the nervous system and joint inflammation. Although no treatment is currently available that interrupts the connection between the nervous system and inflammation, physicians can try to reduce the consequences of stress with various psychological interventions. Relaxation techniques, behavior modification, biofeedback and patient support groups all have been used to improve feelings of health and well-being. The use of these therapies has enabled people with arthritis to experience less pain, improve functioning and cope with limitations. Psychological interventions appear to have a greater influence upon the ability of a person to cope with stress than upon actual inflammation.
Depression commonly occurs because of arthritis.
Depression also interferes with normal sleeping patterns. Disturbed sleep causes increased muscle and joint pain. Relief of pain is very important if psychological stress is to be minimized. There are many tools that can be used to decrease pain including medication, rest and physical therapy. Yet, just knowing that he or she has some control over his or her disease seems to decrease the amount of pain experienced by the person with arthritis.