What is a common symptom associated with stress-induced muscle tension?

Neck stiffness is a common symptom associated with stress-induced muscle tension. When an individual experiences stress, the body often responds with increased muscle tension as part of the "fight or flight" response. This tension typically affects the muscles in the neck and shoulders, leading to stiffness and discomfort.

The muscles may become tight and overactive in a state of stress, which can result in restricted movement and pain. This symptom can be particularly noticeable after prolonged periods of stress or when individuals maintain poor posture, which is often exacerbated by stress-related behaviors.

In contrast, other options like joint swelling, bone fractures, and muscle hypertrophy are generally not directly linked to stress-induced muscle tension. Joint swelling is more commonly associated with inflammatory conditions, bone fractures result from trauma or extreme physical stress rather than psychological factors, and muscle hypertrophy typically occurs from consistent exercise and resistance training rather than from stress.