The Relationship Between Physical Pain And Fear

Physical pain and anxiety are symptoms that often go hand in hand. According to a report by the American Psychiatric Association at their 161st Congress, 60% of patients with anxiety also suffer from physical pain. In addition, in 80% of these cases there is also a depression.

In another study (Spanish link) in the Journal of Affective Disorders, researchers show that 78% of people with mental health problems also develop organic symptoms, including physical pain.

While the numbers are self-explanatory, estimates indicate that in 60% of consultations, doctors are unable to establish the link between physical pain and anxiety. This is because a compartmentalized approach predominates, where they address physical and mental symptoms separately.

Anxiety, a widespread problem

Anxiety is currently a common problem among the population. And although it concerns emotional disorders, it also has to do with physical complaints.

Anxiety is thus an unpleasant condition that almost all people experience at least at some point in their lives. This is because it is a response to stimuli that are perceived as threatening. Sometimes these stimuli are real risks and sometimes they correspond to perceived or imaginary risks.

Excessive simultaneous stimuli also lead to anxiety. Some believe that living in big cities has great potential to create anxiety. These environments imply sequential alarm states that together cause stress and ultimately anxiety.

There is an indistinct fear when it comes to fear, which leads us to create defensive behaviors. Under this condition, there are also organic changes, such as increased heart rate, sweating and troubled breathing. Obviously, these physiological changes will alter how our bodies function over time.

An investigation into physical pain and anxiety

A study of 1,317 patients in 80 health centers, published by the General Council of Psychology, shows that 981 of the patients had some degree of anxiety.

They found that 59% of patients with anxiety also had physical pain. It is clear that there is a close relationship between anxiety and physical pain, but the percentage increased by 19% when depression was also present. Most disturbingly, only 17% of them received some form of treatment for their mental health problems.

Many patients have physical pain that doctors cannot find an organic explanation for. Thus, pain eventually becomes the way some people express their emotional suffering. However, not all doctors acknowledge or recognize this correlation.

Physical pain and anxiety

Anxiety can lead to muscle aches, headaches, stomach upset and other physical discomforts and should be evaluated by a professional. Usually, people with anxiety suffer from headaches, muscle aches, stomach and chest pain. Let’s see why.

• Muscle strain. Fear causes muscles to tense. If this remains more or less constant, it leads to muscle soreness, as well as a feeling of overload and muscle contractions. Usually these pains accumulate in the back and neck.

• Headache. This pain is like a helmet that covers the head and presses against it. It is also common to experience a tingling or prickling sensation in the skull. This is a tension headache caused by the contraction of the scalp and neck muscles.
• Stomach ache. Agitated breathing can produce gases and a nervous state also alters digestion. It is common for people with anxiety to experience abdominal pain.
• Chestpain. Many people also experience chest pain. This causes great uncertainty and can increase anxiety, but it is simply a muscular and non-cardiac problem.

What can you do?

The important thing is to admit that we are all exposed to fear to some degree. We must therefore adopt a lifestyle that allows us to find places for relaxation and recreation. Much more when we experience physical pain and fear.

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to restore the balance of our emotions. A small exercise routine of 15 minutes a day is usually enough and then we feel better. It’s even better if you combine it with some relaxation exercises.

In cases where the fear is excessive, you should consult a mental health professional. There are many therapies and techniques that can help you manage emotions properly.