From the Research
Yes, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and chronic stress can lead to over-engagement of abdominal muscles and muscular imbalances. When experiencing stress or trauma, the body often enters a prolonged "fight-or-flight" response, causing increased muscle tension, particularly in the core and abdomen. This persistent tension can develop into patterns of muscle guarding, where abdominal muscles remain chronically contracted. Over time, this can create muscular imbalances as some muscles become overactive while others weaken from disuse. The physiological mechanism involves stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare muscles for action but, when chronically elevated, lead to persistent tension. Additionally, altered breathing patterns associated with anxiety (shallow, chest-based breathing) further contribute to core muscle dysfunction. These physical manifestations often create a feedback loop where physical tension reinforces psychological stress.
Key Findings
- A study published in 2022 1 found that SSRIs improve PTSD symptoms and are first-line agents for the pharmacotherapy of PTSD, based on moderate-certainty evidence.
- Another study from 2018 2 examined the relationship between PTSD and chronic pain, finding that psychological flexibility mediates the relationship between these two conditions.
- Research from 2010 3 demonstrated that exposure to a social defeat stressor paired with an olfactory stimulus can lead to increased muscle tension and diurnal hyper-vigilance in rats.
Treatment Approaches
- Trauma-informed physical therapy
- Mindfulness practices
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Diaphragmatic breathing exercises
- Gentle movement therapies like yoga or tai chi
Physiological Mechanism
- Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline prepare muscles for action but, when chronically elevated, lead to persistent tension
- Altered breathing patterns associated with anxiety contribute to core muscle dysfunction