Have you ever experienced a sudden, unexplained numbness or tingling sensation in your face? If so, it could be a sign of anxiety. Anxiety can cause a wide range of physical symptoms, including numbness, which is especially distressing when it affects the face.

Anxiety is a common mental health problem all over the world. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the US, affecting approximately 40 million adults, or 18.1% of the population.

Anxiety can take many different forms, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. Each of these disorders has its own unique symptoms and diagnostic criteria.

When we think of anxiety, we often think of feelings of worry and stress. However, anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as numbness in the face. This symptom can be alarming, especially if you are unaware of its potential relationship with anxiety.

In this article, we will discuss how anxiety can cause facial numbness and how CBD helps with anxiety numbness in the face.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Attacks

Anxiety attacks, also known as panic attacks, can cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms. These symptoms can appear unexpectedly and last for several minutes or longer. Some common symptoms of anxiety attacks include:

• Numbness or tingling sensations in the face, hands, or other parts of the body
• A feeling of "pins and needles" in the limbs
• Hyperventilation or shortness of breath
• Burning or prickling sensations in the skin
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Muscle weakness or tremors
• Sweating or clammy skin

How Does Anxiety Affect Our Body?

Anxiety is defined as feelings of worry, fear, or insecurity about future events or situations that can disrupt a person's daily life. Anxiety can affect our bodies in many ways. When we experience anxiety or stress, our body's natural "fight or flight" response is activated, which can result in a variety of physical symptoms.

Here are some ways that anxiety can affect our bodies:

Excessive worry: People who suffer from anxiety often worry excessively about everyday events and situations. This anxiety can be difficult to manage and can disrupt daily activities.

Restlessness: Anxiety can cause a sense of restlessness or nervousness, making it difficult to relax or fall asleep.

Muscle tension: Anxiety can cause muscle tension, resulting in aches and pains throughout the body, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back.

Rapid heartbeat: Anxiety can cause a rapid heartbeat which can lead to feelings of palpitations, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Sweating: Anxiety can cause excessive sweating, especially on the palms and soles of the feet.

Digestive problems: Anxiety can cause digestive problems such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.

Difficulty concentrating: Anxiety can impair concentration and cause forgetfulness and difficulty making decisions.

Sleep problems: Anxiety can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to insomnia or poor sleep quality.

Moreover, anxiety can lead to panic attacks in severe cases, which are characterized by intense fear, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing.

Can Anxiety Cause Numbness on the Face?

Yes, anxiety can cause facial numbness. When a person suffers from anxiety or a panic attack, the body's natural "fight or flight" response is triggered, resulting in physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath. This response can also result in numbness or tingling in the face, hands, and other parts of the body.

Face numbness is typically caused by hyperventilation, which occurs when a person takes rapid, shallow breaths during a panic attack or anxiety episode. This can cause an imbalance in the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and numbness or tingling sensations in the face.

If you are experiencing facial numbness, you should consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. If anxiety is found to be the cause of your facial numbness, a mental health professional can give you suggestions on how to manage your anxiety and avoid future episodes.

What Anxiety Disorder Causes Facial Numbness?

There are several anxiety disorders that can potentially cause facial numbness. These include:

Panic Disorder: Panic attacks can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including numbness or tingling in the face. A panic attack is characterized by a sudden and intense feeling of fear or discomfort, as well as other symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and difficulty breathing.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: GAD is a chronic condition characterized by excessive worry about everyday events and situations. Physical symptoms of GAD include muscle tension, fatigue, and numbness or tingling sensations, particularly in the face.

Social Anxiety Disorder: people with a social anxiety disorder may experience physical symptoms such as sweating, blushing, and trembling. They may also experience numbness or tingling in the face.

Moreover, facial numbness can be caused by a variety of conditions, including migraines, nerve damage, or stroke.

How Does Anxiety Cause Facial Numbness?

Anxiety can cause facial numbness through different processes, including stress hormone release, hyperventilation, and muscle tension.

Anxiety causes the body to release stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can increase heart rate and respiration. This reaction can cause a decrease in blood flow to specific areas of the body, including the face, resulting in numbness or tingling sensations.

Another common symptom of anxiety is hyperventilation or rapid breathing. This can cause changes in the pH balance of the body, resulting in numbness or tingling in the face and other parts of the body.

Lastly, stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension and trigger points, which are painful, tight knots of muscle that can cause numbness or tingling in the face and other areas.

How Long Does Anxiety Numbness Last?

The duration of anxiety numbness varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the anxiety, the patient’s overall health, and any underlying medical conditions. In most cases, anxiety numbness will go away after the person has calmed down and the hyperventilation or other anxiety symptoms have been managed.

However, in some cases, anxiety numbness can last for a long time, especially if the underlying anxiety disorder is not effectively managed or if the person continues to experience stress and anxiety episodes. Moreover, chronic anxiety and stress can cause long-term or repetitive cycles of numbness, as well as other physical symptoms.

Can CBD Help With Anxiety Facial Numbness?

While research on CBD and anxiety-related facial numbness is limited, some studies indicate that CBD may have the potential to reduce anxiety and associated symptoms.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis that has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties. It works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates mood, stress response, and other physiological processes in the body.

According to studies, CBD can reduce anxiety in people suffering from social anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using CBD for anxiety and related symptoms like facial numbness. It's also worth noting that CBD can interact with other medications and cause side effects like dizziness, dry mouth, and changes in appetite or mood.

F.A.Q's

Can CBD Salves Help With Anxiety-Related Facial Numbness?

CBD salves and topicals are typically used to treat pain, physical discomfort, and inflammation rather than anxiety. CBD may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that may help reduce the tension and pain associated with facial numbness.

However, some people find that applying CBD salves or topicals to the face and neck can relieve tension and muscle soreness, which can help them overcome anxiety-related facial numbness. Furthermore, applying CBD topically to the skin may help to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.

If you're thinking about using a CBD salve or topical for anxiety-related facial numbness, choose a reputable brand that utilizes high-quality organic hemp and employs third-party testing to verify the purity and potency of their products.

How long does CBD salve take to alleviate anxiety-related facial numbness?

CBD salve may have some potential benefits in alleviating anxiety-related facial numbness, but it's important to note that there is no definitive answer, as the effects of CBD can vary depending on a number of factors such as the amount of CBD in the salve, and the individual's physiology and metabolism.

Generally, the effects of CBD salve can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to be felt.

Is It Safe to Apply CBD Salve to the Face?

Yes, you can apply CBD salve on your face, but it's important to use caution and choose a product that is specifically formulated for topical use on the face. Because the skin on the face is typically more sensitive compared to the rest of the body, it is important to choose a product that is gentle and non-irritating.

When applying CBD salve to the face, follow the manufacturer's instructions. It's also a good idea to do a patch test on a small area of skin before applying the salve to your entire face, to make sure you don't have an adverse reaction.

Can I Take CBD Oil for Anxiety?

CBD oils are a popular way to consume CBD for anxiety. CBD tinctures are typically made from concentrated CBD combined with a carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil or MCT oil, to improve absorption. Tinctures are typically taken orally by placing a few drops under the tongue and holding them there for several seconds before swallowing.

Some studies indicate that CBD may be beneficial in reducing anxiety and related symptoms, but more research is required to fully understand its effects.

Summary

Anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including facial numbness or tingling. Because the body's natural stress response can cause increased muscle tension and changes in blood flow. While anxiety-related facial numbness is generally not a cause for concern, it can be uncomfortable and disturbing for those who experience it.

CBD has been suggested as an alternative treatment for anxiety-related symptoms such as facial numbness. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which regulates mood, anxiety, and stress responses. While research on the efficacy of CBD for anxiety-related symptoms is still limited, some studies indicate that it may be beneficial in reducing anxiety and related symptoms.

If you are experiencing anxiety-related facial numbness or other symptoms, CBD might be a good option. However, you must use it under the supervision of a healthcare provider and choose a product that is specifically formulated for topical use on the face.