What is the difference between acute and chronic stress? Acute stress is the body's short-term response to an immediate challenge, while chronic stress can persist and affect sleep, energy, muscle tension, and pain. Learn how stress affects the nervous system, why chronic stress may contribute to neck and shoulder pain, and how acupuncture may fit into an individualized approach to managing stress-related physical symptoms.

Stress is a normal survival response, but chronic stress can affect nearly every system in the body—from the brain and nervous system to digestion, sleep, immunity, and pain. Learn what causes chronic stress, how Traditional Chinese Medicine explains it, and how acupuncture may help support recovery and improve overall well-being.