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Chest Pain and Stress: What You Need to Know

By Genevieve Cunningham

Chest pain. Just the thought of a stabbing pain in your chest is enough to scare even the most doctor hesitant person. But not every ache and pain in your chest is a major concern. Though chest pain is something to take seriously, there are also smaller issues that can cause discomfort. Like stress. Stress is a much bigger problem than most people realize, and it can cause a wide array of negative symptoms in the body. If you're suffering from too much stress, take a look at how it may lead to chest pain, followed by some tips for lowering the stress and the pain, too. 

Can Stress Cause Chest Pain?

In short, the answer is yes. Though the exact causes of stress may vary from person to person, there are two common reasons why you may experience chest pain with stress. The first is related to muscle tension. As your body becomes stressed, the muscles in your chest may tighten, which can create a feeling of tightness or discomfort. Excessive stress can also temporarily reduce blood flow to the heart, which can cause quite a bit of pain. This type of pain is technically called angina, and though it can have serious medical conditions underneath, it can also be caused by an influx of the stress hormone in your body. 

When Should You Worry?

Any chest pain should be taken seriously. If your chest pain is accompanied by any other symptoms such as jaw pain, arm pain, headaches, or a disturbance in vision, then it's time to head to the doctor. But the real truth is that you should get medical care anytime that you're concerned. If you think that your chest pain is too severe or too frequent, get it checked. If you simply want to reduce pain and stress in your life, see a doctor. Seeking medical help is always a good idea, so don't be afraid to reach out. 

How Can You Relieve Stress?

If you're interested in reducing stress on your own, there are some things that you can do at home. Start by prioritizing your life. Anything at the bottom of the list can wait! Stop trying to do everything at once. It can also help to minimize financial obligations, social obligations, and even lessen the number of activities on your list. You should also take your days off and use them. You should practice deep breathing and get plenty of exercise. Adding even a few of these tips to your life may help you lower your stress and the pain that comes along with it. 

Chest pain -- whether it's from stress or anything else -- is something to take seriously. If stress is the culprit, lower the stress in your life to feel some relief. Stress is going to happen, and if you let it, it can ruin your health. Stay on top of stress, limit its presence in your life, and feel better than ever before. 

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Chandler, Ariz.

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