Stress can take a toll on emotions, but it can also have terrible consequences throughout the body. Physical symptoms often arise because of disruption in people's lives caused by stress. The symptoms may be an indication of illness. If you feel stressed out and experience physical symptoms, stress management techniques may help you feel better.
Pain
Headaches and back pain are often complaints from people going through stressful conditions. Tension can cause dilation of the cerebral arteries or bring on muscle tightness that affects the back. Chest tightness or pains may result from the stiffening of the body. The heart may also be involved. Heart palpitations, increased heart beat and high blood pressure are symptoms of stress. This may even lead to heart disease. The Mayo Clinic advises people to see their physicians if they are not sure whether they are suffering from stress or underlying conditions.
Decreased Immunity
Stress can weaken the immune system. A person undergoing stress may be more susceptible to colds, flu and infections. Upset stomach, stomach cramps or abdominal pain may occur. Indigestion, diarrhea and vomiting are among the symptoms of physical stress.
Body Changes
Trembling, nervous ticks, dryness of the throat and mouth or frequent feelings of butterflies in the stomach may occur, reports the University at Buffalo, New York. A person going through a stressful situation may experience difficulty breathing. Stress may cause premenstrual tension, frequent urination, loss of appetite or overeating.
Fatigue and Insomnia
A person may feel overworked during stressful periods and excess energy may result in the inability to relax. This causes a never-ending cycle of always feeling tired and not getting enough sleep. Exhaustion can occur and exacerbate other problems such as nervousness, headaches and backaches.
Substance Abuse
A person who suddenly starts drinking more alcohol or caffeine, begins smoking or smokes excessively or begins taking drugs may be showing signs of stress, the Cleveland Clinic notes. Many people are vulnerable to substance abuse when overcome by stress. They try to mask the problem by practicing unhealthy behaviors.
Sexual Problems
Too much stress can cause loss of interest in sex. This may be emotional, but also can be the result of physical impairment. Stress can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease and interfere with blood flow throughout the body, which can affect the sexual organs.
