my muscles hurt so baaad from stiffness

when my anxiety gets bad my neck and back start aching so baad and i get so stiff i can barely move my head or any part of my body really. taking a xanax is the ONLY thing that gets rid of the stiffness. and it does completely get rid of it in about 20 minutes. but i don't like relying on xanax all the time, i want to be able to get rid of my symptoms myself. does anyone else get this?

[RyRywifey]

Hey you!! Haven't seen u post in a while!! I hope everything has been better than it was for both of us a couple months ago 🌸

[Hidden in reply to RyRywifey]

hi! yeah i was doing a lot better but stressful situations in my life brought me right back down again. My anxiety/dpdr is through the roof right now. How are you?

[Agora1]

Hi someone5673, it's happened to me as well. When stress in our lives gets out of control it shows right away in our muscles. My neck and back get tight and tense and stiff. It's our body's way of telling us we need to chill out for a while. I've been pulling out all the things I've learned along the way in dealing with high stress. The Xanax sits there in my purse for a just in case moment. I know once I would go back in reaching for that band aid I would need it every day. Sooo.....I reach for YouTube and listen to deep meditation and deep breathing as many times a day as I need to in order to calm down the adrenaline rush. When not near the computer, I just use my ever faithful deep breathing which relieves the stress almost immediately. It happens to all of us whether we have overcome our anxiety. We will always be predisposed to stress more easily than the average person. You are not alone by any means. Feel better and Breathe xx

[Jmerrick22]

I feel like this a lot . I'm thinking about joining an anxiety group

[Agora1]

Hi someone5673, my neck and upper back are constantly tight and stiff. It only seems to know 2 positions....tight & tighter. Never really fully relaxed. That is where I carry all my stress. For me heat works very well in reducing the stiffness and pain. I am very aware that I carry my shoulders high (almost touching my ears) I wouldn't be surprised if you do as well. When I put the heat wrap around my neck and shoulders, I immediately can feel my shoulders relax. I also use deep breathing to try and keep it in check. For me it's been a learned behavior over the years whenever stressed. A habit I'm trying to break. Feel better, you aren't alone x

[Meredyn in reply to Agora1]

I know this is an old post Agora, but would you mind telling me if you have had any relief from the stiff back? Mine is so, so painful! I'm trying everything I can except heat as heat brings on my menopausal flushes which equals more anxiety! ❤❤

[Agora1 in reply to Meredyn]

Hi Meredyn, It has gotten better over time in that it doesn't stop me from doing

the things I need to. I am more aware of the way I sit and stand as well as have

been using meditation/relaxation techniques for many years now. I still have to remind myself to bring my shoulders down away from my ears. I use self hypnosis,

deep breathing and still use the heated bath towels right out of the dryer.

I do not take "OTC" pain relievers.

Many people use cold applications to relieve their pain. A Ben Gay type of preparation

could help, it's more of a menthol feeling than heat. I hope you find something that will help. At one time I was put on Lyrica, Amitriptyline but didn't like the drugged

up feeling. I wish you well. One last thing Meredyn, I do have Fibromyalgia which has

contributed greatly to my pain level as well as the anxiety itself.

Sending you gentle hugs. xx

[Meredyn in reply to Agora1]

Thank you so much for your very kind reply, Agora. I am so glad that things have eased a little over time, but so sorry that you're having to deal with Fibromyalgia too. The pain from stiffness that i'm experiencing is unreal - I know so many of us have this. Sending much love, and thank you for all you do at this forum to help others - it's so greatly appreciated. ❤❤

[Agora1 in reply to Meredyn]

Meredyn, when pain, either emotional or physical disrupt our lives, it's always best

to reach out to a doctor who can address the issue. It's true that anxiety in itself can and does cause physical pain beyond belief. When mine got to that point, I was referred to a Rheumatologist who not only ordered some physical therapy but

recommended a water exercise program. The muscles and ligaments had tightened to the point (from anxiety) of constant body pain as well as tension

headaches. It doesn't always have to be about medication. Finding other methods

to release the tightness and trigger points in the back can help bring down your pain level. I'm so very sorry the pain is so excruciating for you. I hope you are able to find some relief in allowing you to live a more comfortable life each day.

Sending love your way. I do understand and feel for you. xx