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In our fast-paced lives, occasional stress is normal, but if we remain in a state of high stress for an extended period, it can threaten our physical and mental health. So what are the physical signs that indicate your stress levels have become too high? Let’s explore the details.
3 Types of Pain Signaling Excessive Stress
When you experience the following 3 types of pain, it may be time to be more cautious.
1. Back Pain
The greater the stress, the more pronounced the back pain may become. This is because under the influence of stress, the sympathetic nervous system becomes hyperactive, leading to increased secretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline, putting the body in a state of stress response. In this state, the skeletal muscles all over the body, especially the back muscles, will remain in a state of persistent contraction. As the main support and protection for the spine, prolonged contraction of the back muscles can reduce blood flow, causing muscle hypoxia, which may then lead to spinal pain.
Research shows that people under high stress are three times more likely to experience lower back and neck pain compared to those with lower stress levels. Furthermore, stress-induced back pain is often more noticeable at night, as the body’s vigilance mechanisms become more sensitive during this time. This pain not only affects sleep, but can also exacerbate anxiety and physical discomfort, creating a vicious cycle.
2. Headaches
In addition to back pain, have you noticed that you’re more prone to headaches when stress levels are high? This is because stress can cause abnormalities in the regulation function of the central nervous system, leading to a lowered pain threshold, making the brain overly sensitive to pain signals. In simple terms, pain that would normally not be felt becomes amplified. This type of headache is usually felt in the area above the eyebrows, behind the throat, and at the back of the head, with a “tight” or pressured sensation, like wearing a hat.
3. Chest Pain
People under high stress may also experience chest pain, which is related to stress-induced myocardial ischemia. Under intense psychological stress, the sympathetic nervous system becomes hyperactive, causing an increase in catecholamine hormones, which can lead to elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, and greater myocardial oxygen demand, potentially triggering temporary myocardial ischemia. This can result in symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and chest pain. It’s important to note that the symptoms of myocardial ischemia may worsen during periods of excessive fatigue. Furthermore, long-term stress can also lead to abnormal blood lipids, elevated blood sugar, and a hypercoagulable state of platelets, all of which can become potential causes of myocardial ischemia.
If you find that you are experiencing bodily pain, anxiety, insomnia, or depression due to excessive stress, it’s important to pay attention to your physical condition and find ways to alleviate the pain.
