Can stress really have this effect???

Kathyz · Feb 10, 2006

When I get stressed my neck usually begins to stiffen up. I had a massage earlier this week but I think I need to go to the chiropractor for an adjustment. My husband says it's the way I sleep, but considering this "neckache" pops uip whenever things are getting tough in school, I'm going with stress.

Good luck. Let us know what your doctor says.

Blue_Elder · Feb 10, 2006

I went to the doctor today because for the past 3 weeks, I've been having horrible headaches; with nausea,fatigue, neck stiffness and shoulder aches. I even had several episodes where I got this "weird" feeling throughout my body--like I was going to pass out. It only lasts a couple of seconds; but sometimes it happens numerous times within a short period of time; other times--maybe just once in a day.
I got scared when I started having these episodes---and thought for sure I had some brain tumor or something. Anyhow, the doc said he thinks it's just stress. Oh by the way--my blood pressure was 155/90 which is high for me. He's sending me for bloodwork to check my thyroid; etc.
I'm still having a hard time believing that stress can be what's making me feel like this. Anyone ever experience anything like this???

Yes it can. I went through MRI's, EMG's, and physical therapy. At one point I was told that my symptoms were due to MS. After all was said and done it was stress. The best treatment I got was I was told to "get rid of it, shoot it, kill it, leave it, divorce it, or what ever I needed to do" because it was killing me.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Feb 11, 2006

The best treatment I got was I was told to "get rid of it, shoot it, kill it, leave it, divorce it, or what ever I needed to do" because it was killing me.

Yeppers.........that's exactly why I quit my last job. I spent the last year getting sick, gaining weight, bouncing in and out of the doctor's office and the hospital, and having surgery after surgery.......and wondering why the hell I couldn't gain any strength or stay healthy for any length of time.

Well, I finally gave up the job two months ago, and since then I have not been ill a day, despite having had two kidney-stone extractions in a 7-day period recently. I bounced back within a day or two of each procedure, my BP is down, and I'm not even catching the colds and bronchitis that are going around. I've even stopped stress-eating; and my weight, while way too high to be healthy, has leveled off.

All this, despite the fact that right now dh and I are as poor as churchmice and THAT in itself is very stressful. We're barely making ends meet each week on our combined unemployment benefits, we can't afford ANY extras, and we recently suffered the indignity of having to ask for a 'scholarship' so our youngest son could join the track team at his high school. But as hard as this is, it's obviously nowhere near as harmful to my body and mind as that job was.........and that's saying a lot. So---if you are feeling that much strain, do whatever you've got to do and get out of the situation that's creating the stress. It literally could save your life.

NurseLatteDNP, MSN, DNP, RN · Feb 11, 2006

Stress can do some horrible things to you. I have NEVER have any allergies in my life, but now, I break out all the time. The Dermatologist said it is stress. I can not wait until I graduate. This school is killing me.

Princess74 · Feb 11, 2006

I have been in the same situation as you and just had every test imaginable ran on me. I didn't want to believe it was all stress either but it is. Stress, nerves, and anxiety; it makes you feel like your gonna die sometimes huh?! This is a problem that I have had my entire life. Sometimes I go through spells (for days at a time) where I feel so tired, and so sick that I swear that there is something really bad wrong with me. Yep, stress sucks! Usually I don't even feel like I am stressed out about anything. I guess I am though:rolleyes:

I hope that you feel better soon.

MIA-RN1, RN · Feb 11, 2006

First, be sure to follow up w/ your doctor and do all the tests etc recommended. (Can't give medical advice on this board)

Second, what you describe (The weird feeling) sounds a lot like the anxiety attacks I get when I am over-stressed and/or overtired. I also get major migraine/tension mixed headaches with associated neck spasms with stress. I saw my NP and she gave me flexiril for the neck spasms (helps a great deal) and I also got one of those firm, U-shaped neck pillows which is like a miracle for me. I've had a headache off and on for three days now, and that pillow allows me to sleep.

Also, with the headache/neck stuff, I got into a situation this past summer where I was overusing OTC's and ended up w/ rebound pain. Just a warning.

Do whatever it takes to relax. I really love some relaxation CD's; maybe check some out of the library and play them while you study or sleep. ALso try to schedule yourself and write in some downtime.

Good luck. It gets better.

ICRN2008, BSN, RN · Feb 11, 2006

Stress can definitely do all of these things. I have migraines and tension headaches, and they are always worse during a stressful semester. I have been seeing a neurologist and started taking preventative medication. I tried dealing with my family doctor, but found that neurologists are a lot more knowledgeable about headaches than most gp's.

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

casi, ASN, RN · Feb 12, 2006

Yep, stress use to do that to me all the time. I use to get headaches so bad I couldn't function, I'd try to do something and the world would just spin. The doctor looked me over for a minute or two and asked me "Why are you so stressed out?"

Golden_Clover · Feb 12, 2006

I went to the doctor today because for the past 3 weeks, I've been having horrible headaches; with nausea,fatigue, neck stiffness and shoulder aches. I even had several episodes where I got this "weird" feeling throughout my body--like I was going to pass out. It only lasts a couple of seconds; but sometimes it happens numerous times within a short period of time; other times--maybe just once in a day.
I got scared when I started having these episodes---and thought for sure I had some brain tumor or something. Anyhow, the doc said he thinks it's just stress. Oh by the way--my blood pressure was 155/90 which is high for me. He's sending me for bloodwork to check my thyroid; etc.
I'm still having a hard time believing that stress can be what's making me feel like this. Anyone ever experience anything like this???

Absolutely! I am horrible at stressing and I have everyone of those symptoms you are taking about. My doc said to calm down, but it is easier said than done! I am trying to mellow out some... maybe we should try yoga:rolleyes:

Clover

JentheRN05, RN · Feb 12, 2006

Yoga or Tai Chi :) seriously. But I teach relaxation techniques. If you would like me to I can type up one, and you can tape what I say onto a tape, and listen to it. Can't hurt and lets put it to you this way - if your questioning its validity. I had a patient last week who came in with a BP of 160/100. After my relaxation techniques his BP was 138/82. Does it work? Ya think? Feel free to PM me your email address, it will take a bit for me to type it up, but thankfully once I do it I won't have to do it again :)

bigmona · Feb 12, 2006

Yes, definitely.. I have been thru (and am still going thru) exactly what you've described. I have always had a low/healthy BP (110/65). Last doctor's visit, I was around 130/85. I keep getting chest pain but everything is always normal on the EKG and CXR. And I have definitely felt the feeling like something comes over you and you just want to faint.

I think these past two years have been the most stressful of my life. I'm done with nursing school but now I'm studying for the NCLEX (I take it Tuesday), getting ready to be married in 2 months and we just moved to a new state and I have to start looking for jobs. I hope it gets better after all the craziness of NCLEX and the wedding is done because I don't know how much more I can take.

All I can say is hang in there, you're not alone in what you're going through, and maybe try to pick up some new hobbies that help you relax- yoga, walking, or whatever floats your boat.