Arthritis Life

Demystifying Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatic Disease and Long Covid: with Christine Stamatos

Episode Summary

Christine Stamatos is a nurse practitioner who specializes in non pharmacological methods to manage chronic pain, fibromyalgia, rheumatic disease and long COVID. In this conversation she provides a comprehensive overview of different types of pain and explains how they overlap in these conditions.

Episode Notes

Christine highlights the importance of lifestyle methods to manage chronic conditions including sleep hygiene, stress management, anti inflammatory nutrition, exercise and more. They discuss the importance of focusing on what brings joy and meaning to one's life while managing chronic illness.

Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to chronic pain management that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of the patient's well-being.

Episode at a glance:

• Chronic pain explained: Christine explains the 3 types of pain: nociceptive (as seen in active inflammation / tissue damage in RA), nociplastic (central sensitization, as in fibromyalgia) and neuropathic pain (nerve pain)
• Lifestyle: The best lifestyle adjustments to manage rheumatic disease, fibromyalgia and long covid: sleep, stress management, exercise, nutrition and more
• Mental health: The significance of addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of a patient's well-being in chronic pain management.
• Acceptance: Utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a valuable tool for managing chronic pain and navigating uncertainty.
• Joy: Focusing on finding joy and meaning in life while accepting the changes that come with chronic illness.
• Patient-provider relationship: Tips for building a trusting relationship with your health provider
• Long Covid and Fibromyalgia tips: Christine shares her best tips from her long covid and fibromyalgia clinic

Medical disclaimer:

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Episode Sponsors

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now.

For full details including a video and transcript:

Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website (episode page coming soon).