Anxiety is known to be a common cause of chronic pain issues. Worse chronic pain can also cause anxiety. This cycle of worry and pain can make life difficult. If you are living with chronic pain, it is no secret that stress comes along with it. Pain can be a symptom — and sometimes a good indicator — of an anxiety disorder, particularly generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
And an anxiety disorder along with chronic pain can be difficult to treat. Those who suffer from chronic pain and have an anxiety disorder may have a lower tolerance for pain. They may be more sensitive to medication side effects or more fearful of side effects than, and they may also be more fearful of pain than someone who experiences pain without anxiety.
Chronic anxiety can cause prolonged high levels of stress hormones, which can lead to muscle weakness and soreness, high blood pressure, and digestive issues. Below is a list of common issues related to the anxiety/pain interaction.
Pain perception
Anxiety can make us more sensitive to pain, we then focus on the pain even more and which makes it feel worse.
Chronic pain
Anxiety can make chronic pain symptoms worse and increase the likelihood that acute pain becomes chronic.
Pain syndromes
Anxiety, depression, and pain often co-occur in chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and low back pain.
Postoperative Recovery
Anxiety may contribute to worse outcomes post-surgery, including pain, longer hospital stays, and readmission for wound complications.
Cognitive Constructs
Anxiety can contribute to pain through cognitive constructs like awfulizing, catastrophizing, hypervigilance, and fear avoidance.
Physical Pain
Anxiety may cause physical symptoms, such as chest pains from panic attacks, headaches from stress, and muscle pain from tension.
Stress Hormones
According to the Mayo Clinic, the long-term activation of the stress response system and too much exposure to cortisol and other stress hormones can disrupt almost all the body's processes. This puts you at higher risk of many health problems, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Digestive problems
- Headaches
- Muscle tension and pain
- Heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke
- Sleep problems
- Weight gain
- Problems with memory and focus
Short-term treatments for muscle pain caused by anxiety can include stretches, yoga, massage, warm baths, progressive muscle relaxation and guided meditation. A few links to get you started are provided below.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: An Essential Anxiety Skill - Therapy in a Nutshell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNqYG95j_UQ
10-Minute Meditation For Anxiety - Goodful
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-6f5wQXSu8
8 Breathing Exercises to Try When You Feel Anxious - Healthline
https://www.healthline.com/health/breathing-exercises-for-anxiety
7 Quick Stretches for Stress Relief You Can Do Right Now – Everyday Health
https://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/quick-stretches-for-stress-relief/