Franklin Lakes, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/12/2018 -- People who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis don't just struggle with physical pain. The emotional challenges can be overwhelming, too.

At Kayal Rheumatology Center, patients will receive a quick and accurate rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis in Bergen County along with state-of-the-art care and treatment to manage and conquer pain. In addition, this compassionate team of experts will listen to every question and concern, mindful of the emotional rollercoaster patients often experience.

Although they probably don't realize it, patients who get caught up in a type of thinking called catastrophizing can actually make their physical pain much worse. Catastrophizing is when a person experiences a negative event (like an arthritis flare-up) and then engages in a series of thoughts that lead to the worst possible outcome. Experts say the result can be heightened physical pain.

People who obsess about worst-case scenarios often stop exercising or participating in other physical activity, which can make matters even worse. Physical activity is one of the key strategies for managing pain. In addition, patients with rheumatoid arthritis who catastrophize are less likely to go into remission, according to a 2017 study in Arthritis Care & Research.

It's important for patients not to blame themselves if they struggle with negative thinking. But it's also important for them to get help from a mental health professional when they need it.

These five tips can help overcome negative thinking:

Get adequate sleep to help ease pain and control catastrophizing.

Modify activities to improve safety and stay active.

Meditate to remain focused and free of negative thoughts.

Avoid thinking in black and white terms. Recognize there will be ups and downs with RA—and life.

Talk to a mental health professional if necessary.

There truly is power in positive thinking. It can help reduce pain and improve health outcomes.

The doctors at Kayal Rheumatology Center are the rheumatology specialists in Bergen County who can help conquer physical pain while being aware of emotional challenges. To schedule an appointment or to learn more, call 844-281-1783 or contact the team on the web.

About Kayal Rheumatology Center
Kayal Rheumatology Center is committed to diagnosing and treating the crippling pain that occurs from arthritis, rheumatism, lupus and other conditions of the joints, bones, muscles and connective tissues. Its team of board-certified rheumatologists has decades of experience and skill. Using the latest diagnostic tools to pinpoint the cause of pain, Kayal Rheumatology Center gets patients on the road to the pain-free lifestyles they deserve. Its four convenient offices are in Glen Rock, Franklin Lakes, Westwood and Paramus (opening soon). Schedule an appointment by calling 844.281.1783 or contact Kayal Rheumatology Center at Kayal Orthopaedic Center by filling out this form.