Muscle Pain And Tension Due To Stress

Did you know that stress can cause headaches, neck pain and stomach aches if not treated properly? We offer you some keys in this article.

Muscle pain and tension due to stress are phenomena that  have only been recognized for a few decades. Previously, we thought that these pains were anecdotal and did not have a valid scientific basis.

Fortunately, neuroscience has allowed us to break out of this false belief. Currently, we know that  stress is also an organic fact. We also know that it generates multiple health consequences.

Despite this,  many people suffer from these conditions without realizing it. They believe that muscle tension, headaches and the like are the consequences of other factors.

So it seems very important to us to look at the issue and try to offer possible solutions.

Is stress good or bad?

We’ve all heard of stress, but we don’t always know what the term really means. To define it as simply as possible, we can say that stress is the physiological state that occurs in situations of danger, whether real or imagined.

During a real threat, the organism  must prepare physiologically to defend itself, to flee or to attack. It contributes to our survival and is quite healthy. If a person does not feel fear, he will not avoid the danger and may fall victim to this real threat.

On the other hand, stress becomes pathological or negative when there is no real danger and the body is still preparing to face it. Likewise when the sensation persists,  including long after the threat has been effectively treated.

The effects of stress on the body

Every feeling and every emotion we experience affects our body. Sometimes in a positive way and other times in a negative way. Muscle pain and tension due to stress manifests itself differently. We are digging deeper into the subject.

Pain associated with stress

According to this study by Dr. Volcy Gomez , it is very common for a person with chronic stress to have regular headaches. This type of pain is known as a tension headache and is usually accompanied by a throbbing sensation in the neck or shoulders.

Stomach aches, chest pain, trouble sleeping, and fatigue, among others, are also very common. This is what this Mayo Clinic report reveals .

All this, of course, without counting the  effects of stress on mood and behavior. Among which, anxiety, feeling of suffocation, bad mood, irritability, etc.

Muscle tension due to stress

When a person feels stressed, muscle tension occurs immediately. This then results in reduced blood flow to areas of the body that are tense.

If this situation persists over time,  it turns into chronic pain, contractures, and even muscle spasms. In general, stress affects muscles in the following areas:

• Jaws.
• Between the eyebrows.
• Neck.
• Shoulders.
• Back.

It  also increases the chances of suffering lesions. Muscle tension actually causes stiffness in the muscles. Under these conditions, it is then easier for a tear to occur.

How to prevent muscle pain and tension due to stress?

The best way to prevent muscle pain and tension from stress is to address the underlying problem. In other words, stress. The ideal is to combine  treatment with a psychologist with physical practice. It can be physiotherapy, sports, dance, yoga, etc.

There are also different types of psychological therapies that all include stress management protocols. These processes usually don’t take a long time. Unless other underlying issues require more attention.

Any physical activity is strongly recommended. Exercising for 15 minutes every day is essential. A half hour walk, or the practice of a sport, in addition to yoga or relaxation sessions is also highly recommended.

Finally, it is a great help to confide in a professional in these situations. We must not ignore the problem or the consequences that could become, in the long term, more serious.