Stress is part of life and is unavoidable. Our bodies are well equipped to handle stress in small doses, but when that stress becomes long-term or chronic, it can have serious effects on your body.
- Musculoskeletal: When the body is stressed, muscles tense up. Muscle tension is almost a reflex reaction to stress—the body’s way of guarding against injury and pain. When the body is under chronic stress the body is in a constant state of guardedness and is associated with disorders including migraines, non-specific lower back pain, and neck/shoulder muscles tension and pain.
- Respiratory: The respiratory system supplies oxygen to cells and removes carbon dioxide waste from the body. Stress and strong emotions can present with respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath and rapid breathing, as the airway between the nose and the lungs constricts.
- Cardiovascular: Chronic stress, or a constant stress experienced over a prolonged period of time, can contribute to long-term problems for heart and blood vessels. The consistent and ongoing increase in heart rate, and the elevated levels of stress hormones and of blood pressure, can take a toll on the body. This long-term ongoing stress can increase the risk for hypertension, heart attack, or stroke.