Hand numbness linked to stress and anxiety: how a common neurosis symptom highlights mental health struggles
We are faced with many challenges in the modern world, which can impact our mental health. Neurosis is one of the most common mental disorders and often manifests itself through various physical symptoms. Hand numbness is one of these symptoms. While hand numbness can be associated with physical diseases like neuropathies, cervical spine pathology or carpal tunnel syndrome, it can also be due to psychological factors.
1:17 AM EST, February 12, 2024
Neurosis is characterized by ongoing feelings of anxiety, fear, and stress. People with this disorder often experience physical symptoms, with hand numbness being very common. The mechanism leading to this symptom is complex.
A potential explanation is excessive stimulation of the sympathetic system, responsible for our "fight or flight" response during stressful situations. While this response is natural and adaptive when faced with threats, chronic over-activation seen in neurosis can cause varying physical symptoms. Continuous tension can cause pressure on nerves, leading to numbness and tingling in the hands. Moreover, neurosis is often associated with muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and hands.
Therefore, hand numbness can be more than just a bothersome physical symptom; it can be a signal that the body is under immense stress and tension. Recognizing neurosis as a potential cause can allow for effective intervention and improvement in one's quality of life. As such, instead of ignoring hand numbness, it is beneficial to understand and manage this condition, both through self-observation and professional therapeutic help.
