Is there a relationship between the two problems? We analyze it.
In this article we are going to focus specifically on muscle problems associated with excess anxiety , the mechanisms through which this relationship between the two occurs, and what we can do about it.
How are anxiety problems and muscle pain related?
In the first place, it must be taken into account that although anxiety always influences the state of the muscles in one way or another, it does not always generate significant problems.
Sometimes, this effect on the muscle fibers is too weak, or short-lived, and does not cause such effects. In fact, anxiety is not usually a bad thing, since it helps us to be alert when the situation requires it; but sometimes, it becomes excessive, and it accumulates in a way that the health of our organism pays for it.
So… what are the main ways in which the accumulation of anxiety can lead to muscle problems? Let’s see it.
1. Constant muscle tension
Anxiety is associated with a state of alertness that generates muscular tension , since the body adapts to the need to react quickly to any sign of danger or opportunities within reach. In the long run, this causes muscle wasting and pain from a wide variety of areas: some of the most common in these cases are the back, neck, thighs, and also the forehead, temples, and sides of the head, in what is known as tension headache.
2. Greater propensity to inflammation
Excessive anxiety sustained for prolonged periods weakens the immune system , which has repercussions throughout the body and predisposes it to give rise to inflammation. And considering that muscles are very prone to these organs, since they are constantly experiencing micro-tears (due to their own force-based way of functioning), that can lead to general aches and pains.
3. Associated behavioral alterations
Do not forget that anxiety gives rise to other health disorders that affect the entire body. For example, people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to suffer from addictions, as well as sleep problems, and problems with eating habits.
These kinds of well-being wear factors accumulate in the medium term, and make both the nervous system and the muscles exposed to more maintenance problems.
To do?
If anxiety is so common, it is partly because there are many possible causes that can give rise to it. For this reason, there are a series of general recommendations to follow in case the problem is not causing serious problems, and that can be applied by oneself, and on the other hand there is a solution for cases in which the quality damage of life is too significant not to ask for help: this is psychotherapy.
Let’s start with the simple tips to follow by oneself:
- Basic mindfulness exercises
- relaxation techniques
- Strict time guidelines to always go to bed early
- Practice moderate exercise in the morning or at noon
- A balanced diet with all the necessary macronutrients and vitamins
Beyond this… what does psychotherapy consist of? It is a process that takes place through regular weekly sessions , in which the psychologist studies the particular case of the person and, taking into account their personal characteristics, as well as what they complain about and their context of life, create an intervention program.
This is a kind of training in emotional management habits, as well as in those that have to do with interaction with the environment and with others. In other words, the behavioral style of the person with the problem to be treated (in this case, anxiety) is intervened to “undo” the type of behavior that is giving rise to that discomfort, even if they are not realizing it. it.
Thus, psychological intervention helps the person to gain control over their way of managing what happens to them, getting rid of routines and habits that are part of the cause of what makes them feel bad.
Looking for psychological support?
If you are experiencing discomfort due to anxiety or for any other reason related to your emotions and the way you interact with the environment (or with your own thoughts), I invite you to contact me . My name is Tomás Santa Cecilia, I am a psychologist specialized in the cognitive-behavioral intervention model, one of the most effective and adaptable.
You can count on my help in person in Madrid , or through my online psychology services.
Bibliographic references
- American Psychiatric Association -APA- (2014). DSM-5. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Madrid: Pan American.
- Greenberg, D.; Aminoff, M.; Simon, R. (2012). Clinical Neurology 8/E:Chapter 6. Headache & Facial Pain. McGraw Hill Professional.
- Lucchetti, G., Belitardo Oliveira, A.; Prieto Peres Mercante, J.; Prieto Peres, M.F. (2012). Anxiety and fear-avoidance in musculoskeletal pain. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 16(5): pp. 399 – 406.
- Rynn, M.A.; Brawman-Mintzer, O. (2004). Generalized anxiety disorder: acute and chronic treatment. CNS Spectrums. 9(10): pp. 716 – 723.
- Sylvers, P.; Lilienfeld, S.O.; LaPrairie, J.L. (2011). Differences between trait fear and trait anxiety: implications for psychopathology. Clinical Psychology Review. 31(1): pp. 122 – 137.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.