by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN
Anxiety can cause a variety of physical and mental symptoms. Seek the advice
of your health care professional if these symptoms are affecting your daily
life. Here are a few of the most common anxiety symptoms.
Chest Pain
Chest pains are a frightening symptom of anxiety, and one that should not be
taken lightly. If you are at all unsure about the cause of your chest pains,
seek medical attention immediately. However, it is sometimes possible to tell
the difference between the chest pains associated with anxiety and those of a
heart attack. The chest pain of a heart attack is a knifelike pain that usually
does not start in the chest. It may be possible to diminish the chest pain from
anxiety with deep breathing exercises or a massage.
Neck, Face, and Shoulder Pain
Muscle tension and contraction can cause intense pain in the neck and
shoulder area. This pain can often be relieved by relaxation exercises or
massage.
Difficulty Swallowing
Sometimes, anxiety causes the muscles in the throat to contract making it
feel as though you cannot breathe or swallow. It is important to remember that
this is merely a reaction to anxiety and not a symptom that will cause you any
real harm. It may feel unpleasant, but if you can calm down and practice taking
slow breaths through your nose, this symptom will soon dissipate.
Indigestion and Digestive Disorders
With the release of adrenaline that accompanies anxiety, the blood races
through the system and is diverted away from certain areas of the body, such as
the digestive tract. This slows the digestion and causes the muscles around the
stomach to tense up. This can cause indigestion, heartburn and diarrhea or
constipation.
Sweating
Sweating is your body's way of reducing an increase in body temperature. When
adrenaline is released into the system, the heart begins beating faster and the
body heats up (similar to exercising.) This symptom will soon pass as the
anxiety subsides and the body's other physical responses return to normal.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth often goes along with the other physical symptoms that are caused
by anxiety. This symptom can be alleviated by taking a drink of purified water.
Shaking
Shaking is a normal reaction to fear or a decrease in body temperature. When
the muscles are tense, they may spasmodically contract and cause friction
between the muscles and other body tissues.
Shortness of Breath
Anxiety can often make you feel as though you simply cannot get enough oxygen
to your lungs. Your chest may feel tight and unable to expand to accommodate the
air your body needs. It may even feel as though you are being smothered. Try to
relax and remember that this is only a sensation caused by anxiety, you are
actually getting plenty of air to your lungs. Sit down and concentrate on taking
slow, deep, and regular breaths.
Weakness or Tingling in Extremities
When a stressful situation occurs, the body responds with a number of
physical symptoms. Anxiety causes changes in the circulation, blood oxygen and
blood carbon dioxide levels, and muscle tension. This combination of physical
changes can cause a feeling of weakness in the extremities. When blood carbon
dioxide levels are altered, it may accumulate in the extremities, causing a
tingling sensation. Light exercise may help to alleviate these anxiety symptoms.
Sleep Disorders
Insomnia, difficulty staying asleep, and recurrent nightmares are common yet
distressing symptoms of anxiety. It is important to try to maintain a regular
sleeping schedule and to practice relaxation and breathing techniques to attain
a better night's sleep.
Heart Palpitations
When the body is faced with a stressful situation, adrenaline is released to
prepare for a physical response. This chemical causes the heart to race and feel
as if it is missing beats (heart palpitations.) Again, this is a common symptom
and it is unlikely to lead to any actual cardiovascular distress.
Pale Complexion
Anxiety causes the blood to be diverted to the muscles and away from other
areas of the body, such as the face. When the blood vessels in the face receive
a reduced blood flow, the skin appears to lose some of its color, or rosy glow.
This symptom of anxiety is not dangerous and will usually dissipate as the
body's other physical reactions return to normal.
Depression
Depression is a common symptom for people who experience anxiety disorders.
People who are clinically depressed have a chemical imbalance that may cause or
be a side effect of anxiety. You should seek help from a qualified medical
professional if you feel a persistent feeling of anxiety.
Headaches
Spasmodic muscle contractions and muscle tension can cause discomfort,
headaches or even migraines. Tension in the muscles that surround the skull may
make you feel as though you have a tight band wrapped around your head. Also,
the reduced blood flow to the head and brain can cause pain in the eyes, face,
and jaw.
About The Author
Dr. Group, the founder/CEO and clinical director for the Global Healing
Center, heads a research and development team producing advanced, new, natural
health protocols and products. To learn more visit http://www.ghchealth.com.
support@ghchealth.com
