Unexpected Physical Symptoms Caused by Chronic Stress

23. Persistent Chest Pain or Tightness

This can be one of the most frightening physical symptoms of stress, often leading people to fear a heart attack. While any chest pain warrants medical attention, a common stress-related cause is muscle tension. The "fight or flight" response floods your body with adrenaline, which can cause muscles in the chest wall to tighten or even spasm. This is often described as a dull ache or a sensation of crushing pressure, and it can be accompanied by shortness of breath. Recognizing that stress can physically manifest in this way is key to not only managing anxiety but also finding relief through muscle relaxation techniques.

24. Chronic Nausea or Unexplained Indigestion

Chronic nausea or a constant feeling of indigestion can be a distinct and unsettling physical sign of stress. The gut-brain axis is highly sensitive to psychological distress, and stress hormones can disrupt the normal rhythm of your digestive system. This can slow down the emptying of your stomach, increase acid production, or simply send your body's a-chemical signals into a state of chaos, resulting in a persistent churning feeling or lack of appetite. This is a clear signal that your body is physically reacting to internal turmoil.