Stress Center Peer Support

This issue creeped up so slowly on me that I had never really stopped to pay attention to it until this past week... I'm 24 but I feel like I'm 100. I'm not sure when this started but I don't think I remember feeling like this a year or two ago (i've had panic for four).

It's not unbearable pain either, just a lot of dull aches. Right now my head hurts, my neck hurts, my lower back hurts, my hamstrings feel tight, my hands ache a bit and even the sheets (i'm lying on the bed) irritate my skin.

Standing up from the bed will be a pain in the butt as well. Walking around, bending down, doing little chores... ever day I have all these aches everywhere. I know for a fact I never had this before, I'm guessing a year or two. Also get cold very easily (it's like 90 degrees right now!) where as I used to love being out in the cold.

Anyone know if this could be related to my panic disorder in any way?

Hi RP. I think it's very probably that it's related. I know that I have those same symptoms many days. Some mornings it's next to impossible for me to even get out of bed...I have to force myself. As we're having our panic attacks, we tighten the muscles in our body. The release of the cortico-steroids during the attacks has a tremendous effect on our bodies and over time it starts to hurt. I've found over the past few weeks that using the relaxation exercises is starting to ease some of this discomfort. It's been a couple of weeks now sense I had a tension headache and I used to get those daily.

So, I'd reccomend using the relaxation exercises regularly if you're not already. Also, physical exercise helps relieve the tightness in your muscles. Be sure you're getting plenty of rest and exercise both. They are invaluable!!

Hi RP,

I'm 33 and I swear that I feel at least 75! Anyway, the chronic pain is very common in anxiety. It is a result of the tension affecting our muscles. Jason gave some great advice to keep moving and start even a genle exercise program and that will help. I take a little Aleve as needed for my headaches, back aches, everything aches...