About a quarter of U.S. adults have been diagnosed with arthritis, and many others contend with sore, aching joints. That's more than 55 million people who deal with varying degrees of pain, restricted motion, and compromised ability to feel content.

That's because joint-related pain is strongly connected to mental and emotional pain.

Studies show that persistent emotional distress often develops in people suffering with arthritis. Research published in the journal Geriatric Psychiatry found that almost 63% of those with moderate depression also report arthritis problems.

And about 51% of patients with inflammatory arthritis have been prescribed medication for depression.

Another study found that on days when one person in a couple has increased arthritis pain, there is also more emotional conflict with his or her partner. That can become a vicious cycle of pain and emotional distress — and more pain.

Fortunately, it's a pattern that can be broken using stress-control techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, massage, and physical activity. Yes, appropriate exercise eases arthritis pain.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may also help you not react negatively to pain sensations. One study found that CBT can ease pain, fatigue, and depression in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Other ways to decrease pain-related emotional distress include adopting an anti-inflammatory, plant-based diet that ditches saturated fats, added sugars, and red and processed red meats. That’s because a happy gut leads to a happy mind.

And check out "Proven Methods and Expert Tips for Chronic Joint Pain Relief | Oz Health" on YouTube.