Sometimes we have pains commonly known as tummy aches and there seems to be no physical cause, can stress generate discomfort in the digestive system? Absolutely, yes. This was stated by the expert Dr. Fermín Mearín, member of Top Doctors, during the talk Stress and emotional disorders of the digestive system, which took place in the form of a workshop this week at the Teknon Medical Center in Barcelona.
“One can have pain without injury,” assured Dr. Mearín, who explained it on the basis of a biopsychosocial model, that is, the principle that one cannot separate the mind from the head. In a simple way and addressing a general public or those affected by these ailments, Dr. Mearín argued how stress can alter nervous control, making us notice pain that we do not normally perceive.
Stress and emotional factors can cause an increase in reflux, alter the movements of the colon and increase visceral sensitivity, the latter is what causes pain that the patient suffers but the doctor cannot detect. To treat pain caused by stress or emotional causes, a multidisciplinary work must be carried out, being advised by the doctor expert in digestive system at the same time that sessions with psychologists and dieticians are carried out, combining it with relaxation techniques.
Therapy and relaxation techniques
For this reason, together with Dr. Mearín were the psychologists Ruth Benasanyag and Maite Delsors, both also experts in the field. The former explained the causes and phases of stress to the nearly one hundred people who attended the event. And he pointed out an interesting approach: when a digestive disorder occurs due to stress, it is something negative, but stopping to rethink some principles or issues that have generated that stress can turn it into something very positive forever, even when the digestive disorder no longer exists. On the other hand, Dr. Delsors, a specialist in relaxation techniques, gave a very practical presentation based on the most frequent questions she encountered in her office with patients who are going to learn relaxation techniques.
Once the three presentations were finished, the attendees were divided into three groups, one for each expert, to address the doubts that may arise among those who suffer digestive disorders due to stress or emotional factors. Even relaxation techniques were shown and it was a great opportunity for attendees to talk and clarify doubts with experts of the stature of Dr. Mearin.