From the Guidelines
Stress can indeed cause muscle tremors, as evidenced by the body's stress response influencing the functioning of the nervous system. When you experience stress, your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare your body for a "fight or flight" response. These hormones can increase muscle tension and affect your nervous system, leading to involuntary muscle trembling or shaking, particularly in the hands, legs, or voice. Some key points to consider include:
- The impact of stress on the nervous system can lead to functional neurological disorders (FND), as noted in the occupational therapy consensus recommendations for FND 1.
- Stress-induced tremors are typically temporary and subside once the stressful situation passes or as you calm down.
- Managing stress through techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can help reduce these tremors.
- It is essential to differentiate between stress-related tremors and neurological tremors, such as those seen in Parkinson's disease, as the latter are not directly connected to emotional state but rather to a neurological disorder.
- If you're experiencing persistent tremors, even when not stressed, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Key factors to focus on for reducing stress-related tremors include:
- Education on how the body’s stress response can influence functioning of the nervous system, as highlighted in the study on occupational therapy consensus recommendations for FND 1.
- Implementing stress management techniques to mitigate the effects of stress on the nervous system.
From the Research
Stress and Muscle Tremors
- Stress can have various effects on the body, including alterations in homeostasis and life-threatening effects 2
- The cumulative science linking stress to negative health outcomes is vast, and stress can affect health directly through autonomic and neuroendocrine responses 3
- However, there is no direct evidence in the provided studies that stress causes muscle tremors
Beta-Blockers and Tremors
- Beta-blockers can induce or exacerbate tremor in some patients, particularly those with partial β-agonist activity on β-adrenoreceptors 4
- The tremorolytic action of beta-adrenoceptor blockers is mediated by beta-adrenoceptors located in a deep peripheral compartment, which is thought to be in the muscle spindles 5
- Beta-blockers are sometimes prescribed for anxiety disorders, but there is a lack of robust evidence of their effectiveness in treating anxiety 6