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Question: Why does panic disorder cause muscle tension/aches?

(Posted by: juiceysoul on 2008-09-10 17:23:08)

Ever since i started getting panic attacks, i have been feeling aches and pains and little muscle twitches (spasms?). i have aches around my chest frequently (which is very scary) and when i lay in bed at night my leg often twitches/ spasms on its own. what is the mechanism behind all of this? ive had 6 ekgs. two blood tests. chest x- ray and ct scan. all was normal.

Posted by: Mattshark on 2008-09-10, 17:51:19

When we have anxiety, which is what panic is about, our parasympathetic nervous system kicks in. This is the fight or flight response. The brain sends a message out to the entire body screaming "danger, get ready to run! " You may notice adrenaline pumping through your body. This is the chemical neurotransmitter that tells the muscles to get ready to go and sends them lots of energy to burn. Fortunately, that adrenaline can be readily reabsorbed by the body, which is why getting some exercise like going for a walk may make you feel better. Managing panic and anxiety is really about managing your early warning system and your emergency system. A good psychologist or physician can help you understand this mechanism even more. Good luck.

Posted by: blinky42 on 2008-09-10, 17:37:48

Your whole body suffers when you have panic attacks, and it is normal to have spasms and twitches and body aches due to the stress you are putting on your body from all the anxiety you are experiencing. I would take something like Klonopin to help with your spasms and twitches and help you sleep more restfully at night.