Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a complex condition that can cause a wide range of physical and neurological symptoms including constant pain associated with FND. For many people with FND pain is a constant companion interfering with their daily activities and affecting their overall quality of life. But does it hurt when resting? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at FND and explore how it can impact pain perception even when you’re not moving.
The Basics of Functional Neurological Disorder
To understand how FND can affect pain perception we first need to take a closer look at what this condition involves. FND is a disorder of the nervous system that affects the way your brain and body communicate with one another. Unlike other neurological conditions such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis FND does not cause physical damage to the brain or spine. Instead, it arises from a breakdown in the normal functioning of the nervous system resulting in a wide range of symptoms that can be disabling for some individuals.
Pain Perception and FND
One of the most challenging aspects of FND for many people is the way it can impact pain perception. Even when you’re at rest FND can cause pain or discomfort in various parts of your body including your head, neck, back and limbs. For some individuals, this pain can be severe making it difficult to sit or lie down comfortably. The exact mechanisms behind FND pain remain poorly understood, but research suggests that it may arise from dysregulation of the nervous system resulting in the amplification of pain signals. Some people may find it difficult to sleep with functional neurological disorder due to the pain.
Factors That Can Influence Pain Perception in FND
Not all individuals with FND experience pain to the same degree even when they’re at rest. Several factors may influence pain perception in FND including stress, anxiety and depression. These mental health conditions are commonly associated with FND and can aggravate pain symptoms. Additionally, physical factors such as posture, muscle tension and fatigue can impact pain perception in FND. Many individuals with FND report that pain worsens with prolonged sitting or standing, suggesting that changes in body position may contribute to pain.
Strategies for Managing Pain in FND
Although there is no cure for FND, there are several strategies that can help manage pain symptoms. These may include non-pharmacological interventions, such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. These therapies aim to improve physical and mental health outcomes, reduce pain and stress, and improve overall quality of life. Medications, such as painkillers and muscle relaxants, may also be prescribed to manage pain symptoms in some individuals with FND.
Seeking Support for FND
Living with FND can be challenging, and it’s essential to seek support from healthcare professionals, friends, and family. Many individuals with FND benefit from working with a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including neurologists, physiotherapists, and psychotherapists. These professionals can provide expert guidance and support when managing pain symptoms and other aspects of this complex condition.
Functional Neurological Disorder is a complex condition that can cause a wide range of physical and neurological symptoms, including pain. For many individuals with FND, pain is a persistent problem that can interfere with daily activities and affect overall quality of life. Although pain can be present even at rest, many strategies can help manage symptoms including physiotherapy, psychotherapy and medication. If you or someone you know is living with FND, seeking support and guidance from healthcare professionals and loved ones can be an essential step on the path to managing this complex condition.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist in Kitchener or Waterloo at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
