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Pain coming from my anxiety?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 3/21/2015 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
about a year ago I experienced my first panic attack ever in my life. It was the scariest thing that ever happened to me. Since then I've had 5 or 6 panic attacks and never ending anxiety. The first 4-5 months were full of insomnia, slight depersonalization, and upset stomachs. The past 6-7 months there have been some improvements with sleep, although sometimes I'm so depressed I don't want to get up and go to work. I am a massage therapist. Lately, my muscle aches after work have been kinda severe, my neck and shoulders are tight. The problem are my arms, thats where I feel stabbing pain. I had to go to the emergency room two months ago because I woke up with horrendous pain in the left side of my neck, shoulder, and left arm. The doctor said it was probably muscular. Probably…that doesn't help me. I haven't had that severe pain since but i have felt aches & little pains. Could it be a condition? Or could it be my anxiety and the strain from my job? Im terrified of developing a condition. I've become a little bit of a hypochondriac and that probably makes my pain worse…also it feels like sometimes my chest is in a vice. I never have chest pain though, just tightness. I am overweight and sometimes have really bad anxiety. I also have gallbladder problems. If anyone has any ideas or have gone through this, I'd love to read it. Thank you.
Posted 3/21/2015 5:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hi B and welcome.

I am sorry to hear of your anxiety and physical issues/symptoms that have all been combining to make you feel unwell.

I believe it to be vicious cycle. The anxiety creates symptoms which creates more anxiety...

Add to that physical strain from your job...and subsequent worry about these...and you have a 'perfect storm' of anxiety and more symptoms.

What have you done thus far for anxiety management? You could start with self help today!

We have great coping skills at the top of the main page here. Breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation could really make a difference for you.

If you find you need more help than this can provide..
I would encourage you to talk with your doctor about your options.:)

There is help and hope! Keep posting and we'll keep you in support as you find your recovery!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 3/21/2015 5:52 AM (GMT 0)
I do know this, gallbladder problems can cause intense anxiety and sometimes panic, peace

Larry ***
Posted 3/21/2015 10:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum good to meet you.

Sorry to hear you have been having anxiety I know how hard it is to deal with it does sound like you are having health anxiety which can really take over your life if left untreated so I would go and speak with your doctor about your anxiety.

Anxiety can cause all sorts of symptoms including the ones you mentioned so by lowering your anxiety you should see an improvement. A good way of handling anxiety is by doing some talking therapy such as CBT your doctor should know all about this so ask them next time you see them.

I hope you feel better soon.

Hibee
Posted 3/21/2015 1:05 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah it's like any one of pain I feel I freak out, like the racing thoughts in my head are like "you have als" or "you have ms" or "you have fibromyalgia" when the logic in me just says it's overuse, not enough exercise, and poor posture. But all my self talk and comfort from my mom is short lived because it becomes overshadowed and crushed by this huge anxiety monster. And because I'm anxious nearly everyday, I'm also exhausted nearly everyday. I hate it.
Posted 3/22/2015 8:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi KelBear,

I really do think that your muscular pain can be the result on anxiety. For years before I realised how anxious I was and that I was having panic attacks I have been suffering back, neck and sometimes chest pain.

If I am sitting down, I realise I am clenching my buttocks and tensing my neck. And I am currently finding swallowing food difficult because my neck muscles are so tense.

I have found a brilliant chiropractor and he has helped me out so much that my back, neck and chest pains are so much better and less frequent. He gave me a load of stretches a bit like Pilates.

The most effective one for the chest pain - which sometimes hurts so much when I breath and excruciating if I cough, and hurts down my arms, is simply lying flat on the floor with you arms above your head. If you can rest your arms on the floor, great, if not hold them as lclose as
you can to the floor to get a good stretch without it hurting. You need to hold the stretch for at least a minute and do a minimum of twice a day.

Why not try it? It won't hurt and if after a week or two you notice an improvement then you know how you can help yourself. I would say that when it is at its worst I sometimes take ibruprofen fora couple of days just to reduce the inflammation and help relax the ares. The more in pain you are the more you tense and it is a vicious cycle.

Heat pads help me too, but some people prefer cold - whichever helps you relax,

Good luck xx
Posted 3/22/2015 8:06 PM (GMT 0)
I've started using Cymbalta, the my psychiatrist prescribed them to me 4 days ago...so far no bad side effects just slight nausea...and my muscle pain has gone away 80%...I still feel it here and there but my chest no longer hurts either. I also don't feel anxious so I KNOW that's probably why my muscles were sore and hurting. I'm really hoping this is the antidepressant for me.
Posted 3/22/2015 8:17 PM (GMT 0)
My panic and anxiety have morphed into different physical symptoms...and physical pain has been one of them. So you are not alone.
Posted 3/22/2015 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
Really? Like what melodee?
Posted 3/23/2015 3:37 PM (GMT 0)
KB,

Best wishes with your start up! I am glad to read that you are already noting improvement...that is awesome!

Keep us posted as to your progress, and we'll keep you in support!

S.C.
Posted 3/23/2015 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi KB

Pleased to hear you are starting Cymbalta that imo is a good medication and works well for anxiety & depression with the added bonus of also being good for chronic pain. I hope it works well for you keep us posted with your progress.

Hibee
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