Sore Throat or Swallowing Problems Due to Stress: What You Need to Know and How You Can Relieve It

Sore Throat and Stress: An Unexpected Connection

It may seem surprising, but stress can unconsciously lead to tension in the muscles of your neck and throat. This tension can manifest itself in various throat-related symptoms, such as a lump in the throat, throat tension, or even swallowing problems, known as psychogenic dysphagia if stress is the underlying cause. According to Sloothaak, this phenomenon may be related to underlying emotional aspects and the fear of experiencing certain emotions.

Sore Throat and Anxiety: An Underlying Mechanism

Fear of feeling emotions, Sloothaak argues, can lead to throat complaints. A common complaint is throat tension, where stress subconsciously leads to contraction of the throat muscles. Research, including a small study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, supports this connection, with the muscles that control the larynx coming under tension during stress. While more research is needed, it suggests that the impact of stress on the body should not be underestimated.

How to Deal with Throat Tension?

Fortunately, if stress-induced sore throat is bothering you, there are steps you can take:

1. Affect Phobia Therapy: Sloothaak recommends Affect Phobia Therapy, designed specifically for those who have a fear of experiencing emotions. The therapy focuses on inner experience, self-image, and interpersonal elements to develop more self-confidence.

2. Speech Therapy and Physical Therapy: A speech therapist or physical therapist can teach you to use relaxation exercises to relax the muscles in your neck and throat, which can help reduce stress-induced sore throats.

3. Self-help: If the step to a professional seems too big, you can work on your own. Embracing emotions and reducing stress using practical tips and relaxation techniques can be a good first step.

4. Reading about Emotions: Sloothaak recommends reading the book "Embrace Your Emotions" if you want to get started on your own. This can help you deal with your own emotions more consciously.

Remember, you are not alone, and there are several approaches to addressing throat tension and sore throats due to stress. Recognizing the connection between stress and physical symptoms is an important step toward wellness.