Stress and joint pain are two things that many people deal with, and they often seem to go hand in hand. When someone is under stress, it can feel like their body is reacting in ways that make existing pain worse, especially in the joints. This is not just a feeling or a coincidence. There is a lot of research showing that stress can actually make joint pain worse, and understanding why this happens can help people manage both their stress and their pain more effectively.
When a person feels stressed, their body goes through a series of changes. The nervous system, which is the body’s communication network, becomes more active. This is part of the body’s natural response to stress, often called the “fight or flight” response. When this happens, the body releases certain chemicals, like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare the body to deal with a threat. In the short term, this can be helpful, but when stress is ongoing, these chemicals can have negative effects on the body, including making pain worse [1].
One of the ways stress affects the body is by causing muscles to become tense. When muscles are tense, especially for long periods of time, they can start to ache and even spasm. This is especially true in areas like the back, shoulders, neck, and jaw, but it can also affect the muscles around the joints. When the muscles around a joint are tight, it can put extra pressure on the joint itself, making pain worse. Over time, this constant tension can lead to chronic muscle pain, which is painful in its own right and can make existing joint pain feel even more intense [1].
Stress doesn’t just affect muscles. It can also change the way the nervous system works. When stress is persistent, it can cause changes in the nervous system that make the body more sensitive to pain. This means that even small amounts of pain can feel much worse than they normally would. This is not just about how a person feels emotionally; it is a real physical change in the way the body processes pain signals. Studies have shown that chronic stress can lead to a state of heightened sensitivity in the nervous system, which can make joint pain more severe and harder to manage [1].
Another important factor is the link between stress and inflammation. Inflammation is a natural process that the body uses to heal injuries and fight off infections, but when it is out of control, it can cause problems. Chronic stress has been shown to increase inflammation in the body, and inflammation is a major contributor to joint pain, especially in conditions like arthritis. When inflammation is high, the joints can become swollen, stiff, and painful. Stress can make this worse by keeping inflammation levels elevated, which can lead to more pain and discomfort in the joints [1].
The connection between stress and joint pain is not just about physical changes in the body. Stress can also affect a person’s mental health, which in turn can make pain worse. Chronic pain is often linked to psychological stress, anxiety, and depression, and these mental health issues can directly affect how a person experiences pain. When someone is feeling anxious or depressed, they may be more focused on their pain and less able to cope with it. This can create a cycle where stress makes pain worse, and worse pain leads to more stress, making it harder to break free from the cycle [11].
There are also social factors that can play a role in how stress affects joint pain. People who are dealing with financial problems, relationship issues, or other sources of stress may find that their joint pain is worse during these times. Social support can help reduce stress and make it easier to manage pain, but when people feel isolated or unsupported, their stress levels can go up, which can make their pain worse. Studies have shown that states with more generous social policies, such as Medicaid expansion and higher minimum wage, have fewer people reporting chronic joint pain related to arthritis. This suggests that reducing stress through social support and access to healthcare can have a real impact on joint pain [9].
Weather can also play a role in how stress and joint pain interact. Many people notice that their joint pain gets worse when the weather changes, especially when it is cold or wet. This is not just in their heads. Studies have shown that changes in barometric pressure, which often happen when the weather changes, can make joint pain worse. Lower barometric pressure means less pressure is pushing on the body, which can cause muscles, tendons, and other tissues to expand. This can put extra pressure on the joints and make pain worse. Changes in barometric pressure can also affect stress levels in some people, which can further increase pain [3].
Managing stress is an important part of managing joint pain. There are many ways to reduce stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and talking to a therapist. Exercise, in particular, has been shown to be helpful for both stress and joint pain. Physical activity can help reduce stress by releasing endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood boosters. Exercise can also help keep the joints strong and flexible, which can reduce pain and make it easier to move around [12].
It is also important to take care of mental health when dealing with joint pain. Anxiety and depression can make pain worse, so getting help for these issues can be an important part of managing pain. Talking to a doctor or therapist about stress and mental health can help break the cycle of stress and pain and make it easier to cope with both [11].
In summary, stress can make joint pain worse in many ways. It can cause muscles to become tense, change the way the nervous system works, increase inflammation, affect mental health, and interact with other factors like weather and social support. Managing stress is an important part of managing joint pain, and there are many ways to do this, including exercise, relaxation techniques, and getting help for mental health issues. By understanding how stress affects joint pain, people can take steps to reduce their stress and make their pain more manageable.
[1] https://www.instituteforchronicpain.org/blog/item/123-26stress-and-chronic-pain
[3] https://www.discovermagazine.com/is-there-a-hidden-connection-between-bad-weather-and-achy-joints-48236
[9] https://www.buffalo.edu/community/neighbors/stay-healthy.host.html/content/shared/university/news/news-center-releases/2025/10/huang-state-social-policies-joint-pain.detail.html
[11] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-22155-3
[12] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1708750/full
