How Body Reacts With Stress and Pain 1. Muscle tension When you’re stressed, your muscles tend to tense up, which can lead to pain and stiffness, particularly in the neck, back, and shoulders. 2. Inflammation Chronic stress can elevate your cortisol levels, which can contribute to inflammation throughout the body, potentially worsening existing pain or making you more sensitive to pain. 3. Pain processing Stress can also alter how your brain interprets and processes pain signals, making you perceive pain as more intense or bothersome. 4. Reduced sleep Stress can disrupt your sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or poor sleep quality. This can worsen the pain or make it harder to manage. 5. Negative coping mechanisms In response to stress and pain, some people may engage in unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating, alcohol consumption, or drug use, which can exacerbate pain in the long run. Learn some tips for managing stress and reducing its impact on pain. #EnhancePhysiotherapyWodonga #EnhancePhysio #WodongaPhysiotherapy #PhysiotherapistsWodonga #StressAndPain #StressManagement #PainManagement #ChronicPain #SpecialisedPhysiotherapy