Muscle Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by constant and excessive worry and fear. Anxiety is usually treated with a combination of medication and therapy. Anxiety can impair an individual both psychologically and physically. Anxiety often affects the muscles in the body as indicated below.

Back Muscles

Individuals with an anxiety disorder may experience muscle tension in their back. Back muscles may also feel sore or spasm periodically.

Chest Muscles

Anxiety sufferers may feel tightness or pain in their chest muscles. Sometimes anxiety sufferers may mistake this pain for a heart attack.

Heart Muscles

Anxiety may cause the heart to palpitate or race. Again, sometimes individuals with anxiety may believe they are having a heart attack when these heart-related symptoms occur.

Neck and Shoulder Muscles

Individuals with anxiety may have neck and shoulder pain. Also, the neck and shoulder muscles may be very stiff.

Other Muscles

Muscles anywhere in the body may twitch, tremor or vibrate. Also, constant muscle tension or stiffness may be felt. Muscles may seem weak.

Resources

• Anxiety Center