Understanding the Physical Symptoms of Stress: Causes & Relief

Stress can come from any number of sources, from difficulties at work to an overwhelming home life. Physical symptoms stem from stress response, which is your body's instinctive reaction to a perceived threat. They vary widely from case to case, but thankfully, most of them are treatable. Even the worst should go away once stress levels are reduced.

Muscle Pain

• Stress can lead to pain in various parts of your body, including the back, shoulders, neck and stomach.

Tics

• Nervous tics and muscle spasms sometimes arise from stress.

Sleeplessness

• Insomnia is a common problem for people suffering from stress. Chronic worries make it more difficult for the brain to relax and get to sleep.

Indigestion

• Stress can make digesting food more difficult and can lead to related symptoms, such as diarrhea or heartburn.

Nervousness

• Stress often leads to symptoms of nervousness, such as a racing heart, sweaty palms or shakiness, even when there is no immediate reason to be nervous.