540: Can anxiety cause random pains?

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This week we’re responding to a question we get asked frequently - can anxiety cause random pains?

 

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Notes from this week’s episode:

Anxiety can cause a variety of random pain which occurs for no apparent reason, including muscle pain, shooting pains, spasms, and chest pains.

Before we get into this topic, we are duty bound to say that we are not doctors, and we are not qualified to discuss medical advice. If you are in any doubt about any pain, please seek speak with your doctor. This is supportive information but in no way a substitute for medical care.

 

Anxiety and shooting pains

Anxiety symptoms vary widely from one person to another, and pain is certainly a possible part of anxiety.

Some people experience sharp random pains, others experience persistent chest pains.

And naturally, when anxiety is already something we’re trying to cope with pain can quickly provoke us to fear the worst.

 

Anxiety can cause a variety of pains:

Sharp and shooting pains Aching in the chest Muscle spasms Tension and tightness

The American Journal of Cardiology published a report in 2018 stating that anxiety contributed to chest pain in nearly half of the patients seen in emergency departments.

In addition to causing pain, anxiety can also increase our awareness of pain and our sensitivity to pain.

 

How we look at anxiety pain is everything

If we see pain as a symptom of anxiety we will suffer far less than if we see it as a cause for anxiety.

If we understand pain to be a symptom of anxiety that deserves our attention and care, we can respond to it with self-care practices that can ease the pain and our anxiety.

 

An ancient insight into anxiety and pains

Ayurveda, India's ancient science of life, teaches that there are three primary humours in the body: vata, pitta and kapha. The vata type governs movement and the nervous system. According to Ayurveda, anxiety usually arises from disturbed vata, and random moving pains in the body are often caused by increased vata too.

 

What helps anxiety related pain?

Oil massage

One of the most effective, yet little known, ways to reduce anxiety is to practice regular oil massage. Gentle touch and warmth are calming to vata, which means anxiety, stiffness, and anxiety related pain can all be reduced by the gentle practice of oil massage.

We have a lesson on how to practice oil massage in our Health Anxiety Course on Teachable.

 

Warm baths

A warm bath with lavender oil and magnesium salts is also helpful for both pain and anxiety. If you struggle to be alone with your mind in the bath, try playing a guided relaxation and following along for extra relaxation.

 

EFT Tapping to calm the “what if” thoughts

You can more about EFT Tapping with our Guided Sessions on Patreon, via private coaching sessions, or our online courses.

 

Our recommendations for beginners who would like to practice QiGong:

Spring Forest Qi Gong with Master Chunyi Lin

Qi Gong for Anxiety with Lee Holden

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