Neck, Back, Shoulder Tension, Stiffness, And Pain Anxiety Symptoms

When neck, back, shoulder tension is caused by apprehensive behavior and the accompanying stress response changes, calming yourself down will bring an end to the stress response and its changes. As your body recovers from the active stress response, this tension should subside and your neck, back, and shoulder tension should subside. Keep in mind that it can take up to 20 minutes or more for the body to recover from a major stress response. But this is normal and shouldn’t be a cause for concern.

When neck, back, shoulder tension is caused by persistent stress, such as from stress-response hyperstimulation, it may take a lot more time for the body to calm down and recover, and to the point where neck, back, shoulder tension subsides.

Nevertheless, when the body has fully recovered from the stress of being anxious, this anxiety symptom will completely disappear. Therefore, neck, back, shoulder tension anxiety symptoms needn’t be a cause for concern.

You can speed up the recovery process by reducing your stress, practicing relaxed breathing, increasing your rest and relaxation, and not worrying about this feeling. Sure, neck, back, shoulder tension can be bothersome, but again, when your body has recovered from the stress response and/or sustained stress, this symptom will completely disappear.

If you are having difficulty containing your worry, you may want to connect with one of our anxiety disorder therapists, coaches, or counselors. Working with an experienced anxiety disorder therapist, coach, or counselor is the most effective way to overcome what seems like unmanageable worry.

For a more detailed explanation about anxiety symptoms, why symptoms can persist long after the stress response has ended, common barriers to recovery and symptom elimination, and more recovery strategies and tips, we have many chapters that address this information in the Recovery Support area of our website.

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