Physical symptoms linked to stress: GP reviewed information

Common physical symptoms linked to stress

Muscle and pain symptoms

Stress commonly affects muscles and posture.

People may notice:

• Neck, shoulder or back pain
• Jaw clenching or teeth grinding
• Tension headaches
• Generalised aches without injury

Muscle tension can become habitual over time.

Chest and breathing symptoms

Stress and anxiety can affect breathing patterns.

Common symptoms include:

• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent sighing or yawning
• Sensation of not getting a full breath

These symptoms are frightening but are often benign once serious causes are excluded.

Heart-related sensations

Stress can increase awareness of normal heart rhythms.

People may describe:

• Palpitations
• Fluttering or pounding heartbeat
• Awareness of heartbeat at rest

These sensations are common in anxiety and stress but still require assessment if new or persistent.

Gastrointestinal symptoms

The gut is highly sensitive to stress.

Stress-related gut symptoms may include:

• Abdominal discomfort or cramping
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Worsening of IBS-type symptoms

The gut–brain connection plays a major role.

Neurological-type symptoms

Stress can alter sensory processing.

People may experience:

• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Tingling or numbness
• Head pressure
• Visual disturbance during anxiety or panic

These symptoms are often intermittent and fluctuate with stress levels.

Fatigue and bodily exhaustion

Ongoing stress is a common cause of persistent fatigue.

This may involve:

• Feeling physically drained
• Poor recovery after rest
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• “Heavy” or leaden limbs

Fatigue often overlaps with sleep disturbance and low mood.

Why stress symptoms feel so physical

Stress heightens the body’s threat detection system. This can lead to:

• Increased focus on bodily sensations
• Lower tolerance for discomfort
• Amplification of normal physical signals

Once symptoms appear, worry about them can further increase stress, creating a reinforcing cycle.

How GPs assess physical symptoms linked to stress

GPs take physical symptoms seriously, even when stress is suspected.

Assessment usually includes:

• Nature, duration and pattern of symptoms
• Triggers and relieving factors
• Associated mental health symptoms
• Impact on daily functioning
• Medical history and medications
• Examination where appropriate

The aim is to rule out significant physical illness before attributing symptoms to stress.

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When investigations may be considered

Investigations are guided by symptoms and risk factors.

A GP may consider tests if:

• Symptoms are new, severe or progressive
• There are red-flag features
• Reassurance has not helped
• There is diagnostic uncertainty

Normal test results can be reassuring and help focus on recovery rather than repeated investigation.

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Managing physical symptoms of stress

Management focuses on reducing overall stress response rather than treating each symptom in isolation.

Helpful approaches may include:

• Education and reassurance
• Addressing ongoing stressors
• Improving sleep and routine
• Gentle physical activity
• Breathing or relaxation techniques
• Psychological therapies where appropriate

Symptoms often improve gradually as the nervous system settles.

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When to seek further medical review

You should seek GP review if:

• Physical symptoms persist or worsen
• New symptoms develop
• Symptoms interfere with daily life
• Reassurance alone is not helping
• You are unsure whether stress is the cause

It is always appropriate to ask for reassessment.