Yes, anxiety can cause stomach pain. When you feel anxious, your body’s stress response activates and sends signals through your nervous system that directly affect digestion. This can lead to cramps, bloating, nausea, or a tight, uncomfortable feeling in your stomach. Researchers have found that the connection between anxiety and stomach pain is part of what’s known as the gut-brain axis — a two-way communication network between your mind and your digestive system.
In simple terms
Think of your gut as your body’s “second brain.” When your brain feels threatened or worried, your gut picks up on it almost instantly. It’s like a group chat between your stomach and your brain — when one gets stressed, the other starts reacting too. The release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline changes how your stomach muscles move and how much acid is produced, often resulting in pain or discomfort.
Medical researchers at Harvard Health and Johns Hopkins University have explained that during anxiety, digestion can either speed up (causing diarrhea or cramping) or slow down (leading to pain or constipation). Both reactions are physical signs of the body trying to protect itself during stress.
Real-life perspective
Imagine preparing for a big presentation or exam. Your heart races, palms sweat — and suddenly, your stomach hurts. That’s anxiety triggering your “fight-or-flight” system, which momentarily reroutes energy away from digestion to help you face perceived danger. It’s why that nervous stomach pain often fades once the stressful moment passes.
For some people, especially those with conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), this connection is even stronger. Studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have shown that individuals with IBS experience more intense abdominal pain during periods of stress or anxiety because their gut nerves are more sensitive to these signals.
What the research shows
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A clinical study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that people with high anxiety levels were significantly more likely to report chronic abdominal pain even without an underlying stomach disorder.
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Research from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) confirmed that the gut and brain communicate continuously, and emotional stress can alter gut bacteria and digestive function.
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Pediatric studies at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center observed that children often report stomach pain as a physical sign of stress or anxiety — sometimes before they even recognize they’re feeling worried.
These findings confirm that anxiety doesn’t just affect your thoughts — it can trigger real, measurable changes in your gut that lead to physical pain.
Why it matters
Knowing that anxiety can cause stomach pain helps you understand that the discomfort is real, even when medical tests don’t show a physical cause. It’s not “all in your head” — your brain and gut are working together in ways that science is still uncovering. The good news is that by managing anxiety, you can often reduce or even prevent these stomach symptoms.
Everyday example
If your stomach starts hurting before a stressful event, pause for a moment. Take a few slow, deep breaths, unclench your shoulders, and remind yourself that your body is reacting to stress, not sickness. Eating calmly, avoiding caffeine, and practicing relaxation afterward can help ease the pain. Over time, understanding your gut’s response to anxiety can help you manage both your mind and body more effectively.