Your head pounds. Your shoulders are tight. Your thoughts racing. It’s scary, confusing, and lonely all at the same time. Not to mention the pain.
Is it just a rough day, is the pain in your head causing your tight feelings, or can anxiety cause headaches?
Many adults and children come to us, at Pennsylvania Comprehensive Behavioral Health (PCBH), for help with anxiety. When we ask about physical symptoms like headaches, neck pain, or muscle tension, they tend to be surprised.
See, your mind and body are always talking to each other. When your mind is overwhelmed, your body often carries the load.
Yes, it can. In fact, headaches are one of the most prominent physical symptoms reported by those living with ongoing stress, worry, or panic.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), chronic tension headaches are extremely common in those with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). When you ask about anxiety related headaches, you’re really asking if your nervous system can react so strongly to stress that pain appears.
The answer is yes.
Understanding how this happens can make the pain feel less mysterious and more manageable.
Anxiety isn’t just a thought pattern. It is a full-body response.
When you feel anxious, your brain sends signals that activate your "fight or flight" system.
Think of your muscles like a rubber band. If you pull a rubber band tight and hold it there all day, it eventually starts to fray and ache. That’s what anxiety does to your upper body. Eventually, that tension turns into a headache.
Tension headaches happen when the muscles in your head and neck stay contracted for long periods. Because anxiety keeps your body in a high-alert state, those muscles rarely get a chance to fully relax. The result is a dull, persistent ache that can last for hours or even days.
Migraines are distinct from tension headaches. They involve:
While anxiety doesn’t necessarily cause the migraine pathology, it is a major trigger. Research shows that people with migraines are more likely to experience anxiety, and high stress can bring on a migraine attack.
It’s a two-way street: anxiety triggers migraines, and the fear of a migraine can cause anxiety.
How do you know if your headache is just that or a sign of anxiety? You might be dealing with anxiety-related pain if:
If you see yourself in this list, it may be time to talk with a professional who understands both physical and emotional health.
While you work on the root cause, there are simple steps you can take at home:
The most effective way to stop anxiety-related pain is to address the anxiety itself.
At PCBH, our Outpatient Therapy helps identify the stressors and thought patterns that keep their body in "fight or flight" mode. We work on coping skills, relaxation techniques, and healthy boundaries.
For some, medication is a helpful tool. Our Psychiatric Evaluations allow you to meet with a provider who can assess if medication might help lower your overall anxiety baseline, giving your body a chance to heal.
Yes. This is often called a chronic tension-type headache. If your body is in a constant state of stress, the muscle tension never fully releases, leading to daily pain.
Stress headaches are usually dull and aching. If you experience:
Seek emergency medical care immediately.
Therapy treats the root cause; the anxiety. By learning to manage stress and regulate your nervous system, many clients find their physical symptoms, including headaches, decrease significantly.
Yes. Some medications used to treat anxiety, like certain antidepressants (SSRIs or SNRIs), can also help prevent chronic tension headaches and migraines. A psychiatric provider can explain these options.
This is common. It is sometimes called the "let-down effect." When stress hormones suddenly drop after a crisis or a long work week, it can trigger a headache or migraine.
No. The pain is real. Just because the cause is emotional (anxiety) doesn’t mean the symptom (pain) is imaginary.
You deserve relief from both.
You don’t have to choose between treating your mind or body. They’re part of the same whole.
At PCBH, we are committed to helping you find balance. We’re your local partners in wellness, serving Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, and York counties.
Start a conversation about your anxiety today.
Disclaimer: While we hope you find these resources helpful and empowering, please remember that this blog is for educational purposes only. Content found here is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or therapy. Every individual’s journey is unique, and we encourage you to consult with a qualified behavioral health professional for personalized care.
If you or a loved one is currently in crisis or experiencing an emergency, please do not wait—call 911 or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 immediately.
