What Are Some Symptoms of Bad Nerves?

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Common symptoms of bad nerves, or significant anxiety in medical terms, are muscle tension, digestive problems, changes in sleep and anxiety attacks, according to About Health. Numbness is also a symptom of bad nerves, although it occurs more rarely; increased heart rate and sweating are the more basic and frequent symptoms of bad nerves.

Muscle tension is a somatic symptom of bad nerves. Anxiety-related tension leads to tense shoulders, back and neck. Tension causes clenched jaws, which leads to jaw pain and teeth grinding. Muscle relaxation therapy is used to relieve these symptoms.

Digestive issues are another somatic symptom associated with bad nerves. Anxiety can cause diarrhea and constipation, appetite changes and nausea.

Insomnia is a frequent symptom of bad nerves because sleep patterns are easily changed by anxiety. Insomnia is a dangerous symptom; lack of sleep decreases the mental and physical strength needed to soothe the bad nerves. Sleep aids are a common remedy, but psychological and physiological dependence to these medicines becomes a concern.

Anxiety attacks are signaled by a sudden occurrence of psychological and physiological reactions such as a racing heart, unusual physical sensations and numbness. The attacks are often mistaken for a serious physical issue and are debilitating experiences. Anxiety attacks are often treated with psychotherapy and medication.