Small pains may be a sign of chronic stress

Muscle tension can trigger tension headaches, often experienced as a dull, aching sensation on both sides of the head. Picture: iStock

WE ALL experience different levels of stress on a day-to-day basis, whether that is due to family demands or work pressures, but it’s important to be aware of when it might be negatively impacting your health.

It’s easy to dismiss a headache or neck pain as a temporary inconvenience, but these symptoms could be a sign of something more serious, such as chronic stress.

We spoke to GP Michael Zemenides, who explained what chronic stress actually is and highlighted what the key symptoms are.

What is chronic stress?

“Stress is quite a normal thing that everyone feels at any time, especially with dealing with things like change or life challenges, such as money worries, financial pressures, parenthood, work issues, or relationship problems,” says Zemenides. 

“A little bit of stress can be a good thing to help us get things done — for example, that increased productivity that we might get before a deadline.

“However, chronic stress is when we’re overstimulated by stress over a long period of time. So, you develop this prolonged state of tension or alertness in response to constant, ongoing pressures, rather than intermittent, short-term challenges.”

Is chronic stress an official diagnosis?

“While ‘chronic stress’ itself is not a formal medical diagnosis, it is a recognised condition that can contribute to, or coexist with, other health issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, insomnia, or burnout,” explains Zemenides.

“Healthcare professionals assess chronic stress through a combination of symptom history, lifestyle factors, and sometimes physical health indicators (such as blood pressure, weight changes, or hormone levels).”

Here are seven key signs of chronic stress:

1. Cardiovascular effects —racing heart and increased blood pressure

“Stressful episodes cause a fight-or-flight response, where hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are released, and these can have multiple different effects within your body,” explains Zemenides.

“In terms of cardiovascular symptoms, you can get that cascade effect where your heart feels like it’s abnormally beating or racing in your chest, and your blood pressure can increase.”

2. Muscle tension or pain

“Muscle tension is also quite common,” says Zemenides. “Ongoing stress keeps muscles in a semi-contracted state, especially around the neck, shoulders, and back.”

3. Tension headaches

“Muscle tension can be a trigger for tension headaches,” says Zemenides.

“Typically, tension-type headaches are characterised by what we call a ‘band-like sensation’ around the head that can result in pain or a dull, aching sensation on both sides of the head.

“Stress can also result in sleep disturbances, and that can contribute to the development of tension headaches.”

4. Digestive issues

“Another common thing is abdominal symptoms, such as bloating,” notes Zemenides. 

“When stressed, the body prioritises energy for muscles and the brain over digestion. This can slow down peristalsis [the movement of food through the digestive tract], allowing more time for fermentation by gut bacteria, which produces gas and leads to bloating.”

5. Feeling constantly anxious or irritable

“There are also emotional side effects of chronic stress,” says Zemenides.

“So, you might find yourself feeling irritable, angry, tearful, and in this constant state of feeling worried or anxious, feeling hopeless or scared, which can impact your decision-making processes.”

6. Skin rashes

“Stress-related inflammation and hormonal changes can worsen skin sensitivity and can sometimes lead to hives or rashes,” says Zemenides.

7. Change in appetite

Exposure to prolonged periods of stress can alter your eating habits.

“Some people might find they get a reduction in appetite and lose weight, and others might turn to unhealthy binge-eating practices,” says Zemenides.

When should you seek professional advice?

“Seek professional help if these symptoms are persisting and are interfering with your daily life or relationships,” says Zemenides.

“If symptoms like headaches, palpitations, insomnia, or digestive issues are just not going away, and you can’t explain them or figure out a way to manage them, then it’s definitely worth seeking advice from your GP.”

Bringing a stress diary to your appointment could help.

“Identifying the triggers is key,” says Zemenides.

“Documenting your level of stress, things that are particularly triggering, and the symptoms that you’re feeling in real time each day can help you link your symptoms with the overall level of stress in your life.”