Stress Management
Stress is part of modern life. But unmanaged or prolonged stress can wreak havoc on your body, resulting in unexpected aches, pains and other symptoms.
That's why stress management is important.
Stress causes your muscles to tense or spasm, which increases pain. When you feel stressed, levels of the hormone cortisol rise which can cause inflammation and pain over time. For some people, stress feels like your heart is about to explode out of your chest. For others, stress can result in pain along your neck, back and joints.
Stress can cause pain, tightness or soreness in your muscles, as well as spasms of pain. It can lead to flare-ups of symptoms of arthritis, fibromyalgia and other conditions because stress lowers your threshold for pain. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), when you experience stress, your muscles tense up altogether. When stress goes away, your muscles release the tension.
Stress can also bring on symptoms of depression and reduce your enthusiasm for activities you usually enjoy — from everyday hobbies to sex. People also tend to eat poorly and exercise less when they’re stressed, which only makes symptoms stronger.