Stress can significantly amplify pain levels by affecting the way the nervous system processes and responds to discomfort. When the body is under stress, it releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that heighten sensitivity in the nerves and muscles. This can cause muscles to tense up, reducing blood flow and increasing stiffness, which in turn
intensifies the perception of pain. Stress also disrupts natural pain control mechanisms, making even mild discomfort feel more severe.
Beyond the physical impact, stress also influences how the brain interprets pain. High stress levels can increase anxiety, reduce sleep quality, and heighten emotional distress, all of which lower pain tolerance. Over time, this cycle creates a feedback loop where stress makes pain worse, and pain generates more stress, leading to chronic discomfort that is difficult to manage without addressing both the mind and the body.
